Set — in plain language

Plain language

to specify, establish, or schedule something according to rules or standards

• specify
• establish
• schedule
• define
• put in place

What to watch for

• The everyday meaning of 'set' (to put something down) does not capture the legal sense of 'specify' or 'establish.' A plain-language translation must clarify whether the term refers to scheduling, defining, or reserving.
• 'Set forth' is a legal phrase meaning 'specified in' or 'described in' — not the physical act of setting something down. Translating it literally as 'put down' loses the reference function.
• In court contexts, 'set' means 'scheduled' — but this is different from the everyday use of scheduling personal appointments. The legal context involves formal court procedures and deadlines.
• 'Set aside' can mean 'reserved for later' or 'put aside as invalid' depending on context. The translation must distinguish between setting aside money (reserving) versus setting aside a conviction (overturning).

Context Determines Meaning.

• The word "set" has several distinct legal meanings depending on where it appears:
• In court documents: Usually means "scheduled" (as in setting a case for trial)
• In contracts: Often means "specified" or "established" (as in "terms set forth below")
• In financial contexts: Can mean "reserved" or "held back" (as in "funds set aside")

Common Phrases to Translate.

• "Set forth" = "specified in" or "described in"
• "Set aside" = "reserved for" or "put aside" (context dependent)
• "Set for trial" = "scheduled for a hearing or trial"
• "Set herein" = "established in this document"

What to Watch For.

• Defined terms sections: "Set forth below" introduces definitions — translate as "listed below" or "explained below."
• Court scheduling: When a judge "sets" a matter, they are putting it on the calendar — translate as "scheduled for" with the date if known.
• Financial reservations: "Set aside" in money contexts means money is being held back — translate as "reserved" or "held in reserve."

Legal definition

To specify, establish, or schedule something according to rules or standards. In legal documents, "set" often appears in phrases like "set forth" (meaning "specified in") or "set for trial" (meaning "scheduled for a hearing"). The exact meaning depends on the context — it can refer to defining terms, establishing procedures, or putting events on a calendar.

Meanings by context

court proceedings: to put something on the calendar for a particular date

contracts and legal documents: to spell out or establish in writing

evidence and discovery: to reserve or hold back for later use

Examples

Where you'll see it

• court scheduling orders
• contract definitions and terms
• statutory provisions
• discovery procedures
• settlement agreements

Related terms

• schedule
• specify
• establish
• fix
• determine

Word details

Pronunciation

set

Part of speech

verb

Origin

Old English — to cause to be in a specified place or position

Domains

court proceedings, contract law, civil procedure, criminal law

Frequency

very common

Formality

moderate