The phrasal verb "set aside" is predominantly used in both informal and formal speech, showcasing its versatility. It refers to the act of reserving or saving something, such as time, money, or resources, for a particular purpose or future use. In formal contexts, it may appear in discussions related to budgeting, scheduling, or legal settings (e.g., court decisions), where certain amounts or periods are allocated or a decision is annulled. In everyday informal conversation, "set aside" might be used when organizing personal time or putting aside differences in relationships. Its adaptability makes it a common fixture in various contexts, signifying an intentional pause or allocation for a specific reason or cause.
B1
PreIntermediate
1. To reserve or save something for a particular purpose.
She always sets aside some money every month for emergencies.
We need to set aside enough supplies for the winter.
2. To decide not to consider something.
The committee decided to set aside the previous proposal and start from scratch.
Can we set aside our differences for now and focus on the task at hand?