set down

B2 neutral separable transitive

In simple words

To put something down on a surface, to write something down officially, or to let someone get out of a car or bus.

Literal meaning: To place something in a lower position — extended to the idea of placing words on a page or a passenger on the ground.

Meanings

1 B1 neutral

common

To place something you have been carrying onto a surface.

"He set down his briefcase and loosened his tie after the long journey."

Grammar: separable

2 B2 formal

common

To record or write something down, especially officially or formally.

"The conditions were clearly set down in the contract before either party signed."

Grammar: separable

3 B2 neutral

uncommon

To allow a passenger to get out of a vehicle at a particular place.

"The taxi driver set them down outside the main entrance to the hotel."

Grammar: separable

Usage notes

The transport sense is used formally in British English (bus stops are often labelled 'set-down point'). The recording/writing sense is formal.

rules conditions passenger bag guidelines terms

Base

set down

I/you/we/they

3rd person

sets down

he/she/it

Past simple

set down

yesterday

Past participle

set down

have + pp

-ing form

setting down

continuous

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