WordGarden.iosetup
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /sˈɛtʌp/
US
- /ˈsɛˌtəp/
Meanings
Noun
the arrangement, organization, or overall way something is set up
a set of equipment arranged for a particular task or use
the process or routine of preparing a computer, device, app, or account for use
More meaningsFewer meanings
a situation deliberately arranged to deceive or make someone look guilty
the opening premise, situation, or preparation that makes a story, scene, or joke work later
a play, pass, or action that creates a scoring chance for a teammate
Beyond the definition
A "setup" is the way something is prepared or arranged for a purpose. You can picture getting a tent ready before a camping trip: the poles, ropes, and fabric all have to be in the right place. It can also mean the starting arrangement of something, such as the setup for a science experiment or the setup of a new computer. Sometimes it means a trick or a trap: "The whole thing felt like a setup."
One useful detail is that setup is usually the noun, while set up is the verb. You set up a meeting, a game, or a device, but the final arrangement is the setup. In informal speech, it can also describe a person's build: "He's got a strong setup." In every case, the idea is about how things are put in place before something happens.
The word "setup" has several related meanings, and they all center on the idea of how something is put in place before it works, begins, or unfolds. Most often, it means an arrangement or preparation made for a specific purpose. You might talk about the setup for a concert, a classroom, a computer, a lab experiment, or a new apartment. In these cases, the word points to the way parts are organized so everything can work properly.
It also often means the configuration or basic structure of a system. In science, people speak of an experimental setup to describe how the equipment and conditions are arranged before testing begins. In technology, a setup can be the hardware, software, or settings someone uses: "Her home office setup is simple but effective." This sense is very common in everyday English.
Another common meaning is a trick, trap, or planned situation meant to fool someone. If a person is led into trouble on purpose, they may say it was a setup. This use usually suggests planning, deception, and bad intent.
In some contexts, "setup" can also mean the way a joke, story, or later event is prepared. The setup gives the background that makes the next part work. And in informal speech, it can sometimes describe a person's build or physical frame, though this use is less common than the others.
One point that helps learners a lot is spelling: setup is usually the noun or adjective, while set up is the verb. You set up the equipment, and then you check the setup. So, whether the word refers to equipment, conditions, a trap, a comic lead-in, or even someone's build, it usually describes the arrangement that prepares the next step.
Examples
- 1
Desk ergonomics
I finally found a desk setup that doesn't hurt my back.
- 2
Camera gear
Her camera setup is small enough to fit in one bag.
- 3
App onboarding
The app will guide you through the setup.
- 4
Seating arrangement
We changed the seating setup so everyone could see the screen.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Work arrangement
The company has a hybrid work setup, with two days in the office.
- 6
Dishonest plan
He thought the job offer was a setup, so he checked the company carefully.
- 7
Likely failure
Giving a new employee three big projects on day one is a setup for failure.
- Patterna setup for + bad result
something likely to cause that result
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
- disorder
- teardown
Do not confuse
- set up
Used with (collocations)
- home office setup
- camera setup
- software setup
- current setup
Explore
- system design
- ergonomics
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- setupnoun
Forms
- setupspluralnoun