inset
/ˈɪnset/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈɪnset/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈin-ˌset/ (ame, mw) · /ɪnˈset/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪnˈset/ (ame, ipa)
inset — noun
- insetsingular
- insetsplural
1. a separate piece of material or small object that is placed inside or fixed into
a separate piece of material or small object that is placed inside or fixed into the surface of a larger object, often to add strength, decoration, or a specific function.
The wooden box had a small velvet inset where Yuki kept her grandmother's ring.
collocation: velvet inset / metal inset / decorative inset
A metal inset was fitted into the door frame to reinforce the area around the lock.
passive: inset + fitted into [object]
Oluwaseun carved a decorative bone inset and glued it into the lid of the jewellery box.
文法句型
inset + in/into + noun phrase
用法筆記
Often used to describe a piece of material (metal, glass, fabric, wood) that sits flush with the surrounding surface rather than sticking out.
常見錯誤
2. a small picture, map, or diagram placed within the border of a larger illustrati
a small picture, map, or diagram placed within the border of a larger illustration or page, used to show extra detail, a magnified section, or a related location at a different scale.
An inset in the corner of the city map shows the location of the main train station.
inset + shows [detail] — typical cartography pattern
The textbook diagram of a frog includes an inset that illustrates the internal organs in greater detail.
Rosa zoomed in on the inset to read the street names more clearly.
- close-up
focuses on a magnified photographic view rather than a drawn diagram or map
- detail view
a more technical term used in design and CAD software for a zoomed-in portion of a drawing
文法句型
inset + shows/illustrates + noun phrase
inset + of + noun phrase
常見錯誤
3. a separately cut piece of cloth that is sewn into a garment for decoration, to i
a separately cut piece of cloth that is sewn into a garment for decoration, to improve the fit, or to strengthen an area such as the underarm or waist.
The dress has a delicate lace inset at the waist that gives it a more elegant look.
collocation: lace inset / silk inset
Elena added a silk inset to the shoulders of her jacket for extra warmth and a touch of colour.
Traditional embroidered insets are a common feature of the wedding costumes in this region.
文法句型
inset + in/on + garment noun
用法筆記
In fashion and sewing contexts, an inset is distinguishable from a patch (sewn on top) or an insert (added loosely) because it is set into a cut-out section of the main fabric.
inset — adjective
- insetpositive
- insettercomparative
- insettestsuperlative
1. describes a surface, panel, or page that has something (a picture, a piece of ma
describes a surface, panel, or page that has something (a picture, a piece of material, a control) placed into it, usually so that the added element is level with or slightly recessed from the surrounding area.
The inset panel on the dashboard displays the car's battery level.
attributive: inset panel / inset photo / inset window
An inset photograph on the memorial wall shows the scientist at work in her laboratory.
Each of the carved wooden doors has an inset glass window that lets in natural light.
- separate
not attached or integrated into the surface
文法句型
inset + noun (panel / photo / window / map)
用法筆記
Almost always used before a noun (attributive position). Cannot be used predicatively — 'the panel is inset' would be understood as the past participle of the verb, not the adjective sense.
常見錯誤
inset — verb
- insets3rd person singular
- insetting-ing form
- insetpast simple
1. to position or fit one object securely into the surface or interior of a larger
to position or fit one object securely into the surface or interior of a larger object, typically so that it becomes a fixed part of the whole.
The jeweller carefully inset the diamond into the gold ring.
transitive: inset [gems/stones] into [metal]
Fumi learned how to inset a small map into the corner of the main illustration using design software.
inset + [small element] + into + [larger element]
The builders inset steel beams into the concrete foundation to strengthen the structure.
文法句型
inset + noun + into/in + noun
be inset with + noun
用法筆記
Frequently used in the passive voice ('the ring was inset with a ruby'). The past tense and past participle can be either 'inset' (more common) or 'insetted' (rare).