Differences between brush aside and set aside

Brush aside means to ignore or dismiss something, often without giving it much thought or consideration. Set aside means to reserve or save something for a specific purpose or time, or to put something aside temporarily.

Meanings and Definitions: brush aside vs set aside

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Brush aside

1To ignore or dismiss something
Any suggestion that it was quite sufficient but very poorly used was brushed aside.
2To dismiss or ignore someone or something without giving them serious consideration.
The preliminary opponents have been brushed aside, used as trial horses.
3To ignore or dismiss something without giving it much attention or consideration.
This involves a piece sacrifice which White brushes aside without too much trouble.

Set aside

1Overturn a court verdict or decision.
The Appeal Court SET ASIDE the guilty verdict because the evidence was unsatisfactory and declared her not guilty.

Usage Examples: brush aside, set aside in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

brush aside

Example

She brushed aside his concerns about the project.

Example

He brushes aside any criticism of his work.

set aside

Example

The judge decided to set aside the previous ruling.

Example

She sets aside the decision and orders a new trial.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Brush aside

dismiss out of hand

To reject or disregard something without considering it seriously or thoroughly.

Example

He dismissed out of hand her proposal without even reading it.

shrug off

To dismiss or ignore something as unimportant or insignificant.

Example

She shrugged off his criticism and continued with her work.

pay no heed to

To ignore or disregard something completely.

Example

He paid no heed to the warning signs and ended up getting lost in the woods.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Set aside

put away

To store or keep something in a designated place for future use.

Example

She put away the winter clothes in the closet until next year.

reserve for

To keep or save something for a specific purpose or person.

Example

He reserved a table for two at the restaurant for their anniversary dinner.

allocate time/money/resources

To assign or distribute a specific amount of time, money, or resources for a particular task or project.

Example

They allocated more resources to the marketing department to increase sales.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “brush”

Phrasal Verbs with “set”

Phrasal Verbs with “aside”

Differences in brush aside vs set aside: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: brush aside or set aside?

In daily conversation, people use set aside more often than brush aside. This is because set aside is used for more practical tasks such as saving money or time, while brush aside is used for more emotional or personal situations. So, while both phrases are used, set aside is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of brush aside and set aside

Brush aside and set aside are both informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of brush aside and set aside

The tone of brush aside and set aside can differ based on context. Brush aside often carries a dismissive or uncaring tone when related to emotions or opinions, while set aside typically has a practical and organized tone, especially when referring to time or resources.

brush aside & set aside: Synonyms and Antonyms

Brush aside

Synonyms

Antonyms

consider
acknowledge
address
heed
respect
listen to
pay attention to
take into account

Set aside

Synonyms

Antonyms