set forth

phrasal verb·2 senses·particle forth

Meanings

1

Lay out or explain something formally

Open Viewuncommon

Why “forth”? Something comes out of hiding into open view.

The contract sets forth the terms.
The contract lays out the terms in full.
The guide sets forth the safety rules.
The guide lays out the safety rules in full.
2

Begin a journey or undertaking

Onwarduncommon

Why “forth”? After something comes out, it keeps moving forward.

We set forth at dawn.
We began our journey at dawn.
The hikers set forth before the sun rose.
The hikers began their journey before the sun rose.

Don't confuse with

set forthset about

Set forth means lay out or explain something formally. Set about means begin a task with deliberate effort.

Test yourself

The contract sets forth the terms. What does it mean?

Nearby in the meaning map

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