set in
B2 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words
When something bad (like cold weather, infection, or boredom) starts and looks like it will continue for a while.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
neutral
For something unpleasant, such as bad weather, illness, or a negative condition, to begin and become established.
"The doctors were concerned that infection had set in after the operation."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 neutral
For cold or wet weather to arrive and settle in for a period.
"The rain had set in for the day, so we abandoned our plans for a walk."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Almost always used with unpleasant or undesirable subjects: bad weather, disease, decay, despair. Never used for pleasant things beginning. Always intransitive.
Commonly used with
winter rot depression infection doubt fatigue
Forms
Base
set in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
sets in
he/she/it
Past simple
set in
yesterday
Past participle
set in
have + pp
-ing form
setting in
continuous
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Synonyms
begin take hold establish itself start develop take root
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