setoff

[set-awf, -of]

setoff Definition

• 1. to balance or counteract something by putting an opposing force against it
• 2. to cause something to start or happen
• 3. to decorate or ornament something with contrasting colors or designs

Using setoff: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "setoff" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The company set off the losses against profits made in previous years.

• Example

  The loud noise set off a car alarm.

• Example

  The red dress sets off her green eyes beautifully.

• Example

  The fireworks set off a chain reaction of other fireworks.

setoff Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for setoff

• offset
• counterbalance
• compensate
• equalize
• neutralize

Antonyms for setoff

• aggravate
• exacerbate
• heighten

Idioms Using setoff

• set off alarm bells

  to cause concern or suspicion

  Example

  The strange behavior of the new employee set off alarm bells among his colleagues.

• set off on the wrong foot

  to start a relationship or activity badly

  Example

  I think we got off on the wrong foot. Let's start again.

• set off a storm

  to cause a strong reaction or controversy

  Example

  The politician's comments set off a storm of criticism from the media.

Phrases with setoff

• set off on a journey

  to begin a journey

  Example

  We set off on our journey early in the morning.

• set off against

  to compare or contrast two things

  Example

  His achievements were set off against his failures.

• set off for

  to leave for a particular destination

  Example

  We set off for the beach as soon as the sun came out.

Origins of setoff

from 'set' + 'off', meaning 'to set in motion'

📌

Summary: setoff in Brief

The verb 'setoff' [set-awf, -of] has three main meanings: balancing or counteracting something, causing something to start, and decorating or ornamenting something. Examples include 'The company set off the losses against profits made in previous years,' 'The loud noise set off a car alarm,' and 'The red dress sets off her green eyes beautifully.' Phrases like 'set off on a journey' and idioms like 'set off alarm bells' add to its versatility.