setup

setup — 動詞

  • setuppresent simple I / you / we / they
  • setups3rd person singular
  • setuping-ing form
  • setupedpast simple

1. to lift something off the ground and put it somewhere above the floor, such as o

1.動詞及物B2
釋義

高掛;架高

把物品舉起放到高處

to lift something off the ground and put it somewhere above the floor, such as on a wall, shelf, or pole.

例句

Zuri set the heavy mirror up on the wall above the fireplace.

Zuri 把那面大鏡子掛在壁爐上方的牆上。

separable: set + [object] + up

The workers set up a large sign above the entrance to the night market.

工人們在夜市入口上方架起了一個大招牌。

同義詞
  • mount

    more formal; suggests attaching to a surface with hardware

  • hang

    specific to suspending from above

  • elevate

    formal; raising to a higher level

反義詞
  • lower

    to bring something down from a high position

  • take down

    phrasal verb; to remove from a high position

文法句型

set + [object] + up

set up + [object]

用法筆記

The object can go between 'set' and 'up' (set the mirror up) or after 'up' (set up the mirror). If the object is a pronoun, it must go between: set it up, NOT set up it.

常見錯誤

Can you set up it on the shelf?
Can you set it up on the shelf?
💡pronouns must go between 'set' and 'up'.

2. to arrange goods, artwork, or other items in a visible place so that people can

2.動詞及物B2
釋義

展示;陳列

把商品或物品擺出來讓人觀看

to arrange goods, artwork, or other items in a visible place so that people can look at them or buy them.

例句

The shop owner sets up a table of fresh fruit outside every morning.

店家老闆每天早上都在門口擺出一桌新鮮水果。

Indra set her paintings up along the gallery wall for the weekend exhibition.

Indra 把她的畫沿著藝廊牆面擺好,準備週末的展覽。

separable: set + [possessive] + [object] + up

同義詞
  • display

    more direct; can be transitive without a particle

  • arrange

    focuses on the order, not necessarily visibility

  • exhibit

    formal; used in museums and galleries

反義詞
  • pack away

    to put items back into storage after display

文法句型

set up + [object]

set + [object] + up (for display)

用法筆記

Often used in commercial or exhibition contexts. Can be confused with 'set out' which also means to arrange for display but tends to emphasise a neat, orderly arrangement.

3. to present an idea, plan, or suggestion to a person or group so that it can be d

3.動詞及物B2
釋義

提出

提出計畫或建議供討論

to present an idea, plan, or suggestion to a person or group so that it can be discussed and perhaps agreed upon.

例句

Iker set up a new plan for cutting energy costs at the factory.

Iker 提出了一項在工廠節省能源開支的新計畫。

The committee set up a few options for improving the local park.

委員會提出了幾個改善當地公園的方案。

同義詞
  • propose

    more formal; common in business meetings

  • put forward

    phrasal verb; same register and meaning

  • suggest

    less formal; implies less formal structure

反義詞
  • withdraw

    to take back a proposal or suggestion

文法句型

set up + [plan/proposal/scheme]

用法筆記

Distinguish from sense 6 (CREATE): sense 3 is about presenting a plan for discussion; sense 6 is about bringing something into existence. The plan in sense 3 may or may not be adopted.

4. to put the parts of something together so that it stands firmly in an upright po

4.動詞及物B1
釋義

豎立;架設

組裝物品使其直立並準備使用

to put the parts of something together so that it stands firmly in an upright position and is ready to use.

例句

Eve set the tent up in the backyard before the camping trip.

Eve 在露營之前在後院搭好了帳篷。

separable: set + [object] + up

The construction crew set up scaffolding around the old church tower.

建築工人在那座古老的教堂周圍搭起了鷹架。

同義詞
  • erect

    more formal; often used for buildings and large structures

  • assemble

    focuses on putting parts together, not necessarily upright

  • put up

    phrasal verb; everyday equivalent

反義詞

文法句型

set up + [object]

set + [object] + up

用法筆記

Distinguish from sense 1 (RAISE HIGH): sense 1 focuses on height (lifting onto a wall or shelf), while sense 4 focuses on assembling an upright object (tent, bookcase, scaffolding) from its parts on the ground.

5. to change the controls or settings of a device or system so that it works in the

5.動詞及物B1
釋義

調校;設定

調整設備讓它準備好使用

to change the controls or settings of a device or system so that it works in the way you need it to.

例句

Rania set up the coffee machine to brew a fresh pot every morning.

Rania 把咖啡機設定好,讓它每天早上煮一壺新鮮咖啡。

Christopher set up the alarm system before the family left for holiday.

Christopher 在全家出門度假前設定好了警報系統。

同義詞
  • configure

    technical; common in computing

  • adjust

    focuses on fine-tuning settings

  • calibrate

    technical; precise measurement adjustment

文法句型

set up + [device/machine/system]

set + [device] + up

用法筆記

The most frequent sense across all uses of 'set up'. The object is typically a device, machine, or software configuration. Unlike sense 4, the object may already be assembled but not yet configured correctly.

常見錯誤

I set the alarm up for six o'clock.' (correct but less natural)
I set up the alarm for six o'clock.
💡with long objects, putting them after 'up' sounds more natural.

6. to bring something into existence by making the necessary arrangements, such as

6.動詞及物B1
釋義

創立;建立

透過安排使某事物得以成立

to bring something into existence by making the necessary arrangements, such as a fund, business, committee, or system.

例句

The charity set up a fund to help families whose homes were damaged.

慈善機構設立了一項基金,幫助房屋受損的家庭。

common collocation: set up a fund

The university set up a scholarship for students from low-income backgrounds.

那所大學為來自低收入家庭的學生設立了一項獎學金。

同義詞
  • establish

    more formal; often used for organisations and institutions

  • create

    general; can apply to anything new

  • found

    formal; specific to institutions, companies, or cities

  • start

    informal; everyday equivalent

反義詞
  • close down

    to end the operations of a business or organisation

  • abolish

    formal; to officially put an end to a system or institution

文法句型

set up + [fund/scholarship/committee/blog]

用法筆記

Distinguish from sibling sense 11 (verb/11: FOUND): sense 6 covers a wider range of creations (fund, blog, committee, store), while verb/11 focuses specifically on founding institutions such as a company, organisation, or city.

7. to place someone in a position of authority or give them an official role within

7.動詞及物B2
釋義

任命

指派某人擔任某職位或職務

to place someone in a position of authority or give them an official role within an organization.

例句

The board set up Ms. Okonkwo as the new director of finance.

董事會任命 Okonkwo 女士擔任新的財務總監。

setup + object + as + role: appointing to a position

The committee will set up a younger member to lead the project team.

委員會將指派一位較年輕的成員來領導專案團隊。

同義詞
  • appoint

    more formal; used in official contexts

  • install

    suggests a formal ceremony or induction process

  • name

    informal; simply states the choice of person for a role

反義詞
  • dismiss

    to remove someone from a position

文法句型

setup + object + as + role

setup + object + to-infinitive

用法筆記

Frequently used in passive constructions ('be set up as') and often followed by a role or title. The object is the person receiving the position.

常見錯誤

The board set up a new position.
The board created a new position.
💡'set up' here means giving a person a role, not creating the role itself.

8. to bring two people together so that a romantic connection may develop between t

8.動詞及物B2
釋義

撮合

安排兩人認識以發展戀情

to bring two people together so that a romantic connection may develop between them; to act as a matchmaker.

例句

Saira asked her best friend to set her up with someone from the yoga class.

Saira 請她最好的朋友幫忙撮合瑜伽課上認識的一個人。

setup + person + with + person: matchmaking pattern

Eve and Darius were set up by their coworkers at the holiday party.

Eve 和 Darius 是在公司的年終派對上被同事撮合的。

passive: were set up by [matchmaker]

同義詞
  • matchmake

    more deliberate; often used in cultural contexts of arranged introductions

  • fix up

    interchangeable in informal speech

文法句型

setup + person + with + person

用法筆記

The matchmaker is the subject; the two potential partners are the object (one person) and the prepositional object (the other person) linked by 'with'.

常見錯誤

She set up a date for us.
She set us up.
💡The core meaning is about arranging people to meet, not booking an event.

9. to make someone feel happier, more confident, or proud after a period of sadness

9.動詞及物B2
釋義

振奮

讓某人開心或有自信

to make someone feel happier, more confident, or proud after a period of sadness or low spirits.

例句

Winning the student award really set Benjamin up for the rest of the term.

拿到學生獎項讓 Benjamin 在那學期接下來的日子都充滿信心。

The surprise visit from her old classmates set Élise up and she smiled all evening.

老同學的突然來訪讓 Élise 心情大好,整晚都笑容滿面。

同義詞
  • cheer up

    more general; can be used for brief mood lifts

  • boost

    focuses on confidence or morale rather than happiness

  • elate

    formal and stronger; means to make extremely happy

反義詞

文法句型

setup + object

用法筆記

Often used in the context of a single event or compliment that changes someone's mood. The feeling can be pride, confidence, or general happiness — not necessarily from sadness.

10. to present or describe yourself as a particular type of person, especially one t

10.動詞及物 / 不及物B2
釋義

自居

把自己說成/表現成某種人

to present or describe yourself as a particular type of person, especially one that you want others to believe you are.

例句

Andrés set himself up as an expert in traditional farming methods.

Andrés 以傳統農法專家自居。

setup + reflexive + as: presenting oneself

The company set itself up as a leader in green technology.

該公司以綠色科技領導者自居。

同義詞
  • pose as

    almost always implies false or exaggerated claims

  • present oneself as

    neutral; can be honest or deceptive

  • claim to be

    focuses on verbal assertion rather than overall presentation

文法句型

setup + reflexive pronoun + as + noun

用法筆記

Always used with a reflexive pronoun (myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, themselves) followed by 'as'. Can describe honest self-promotion or false claims, depending on context.

11. to start or establish an organization, company, institution, or system — bringin

11.動詞及物B2
釋義

創立

創辦機構、公司或系統

to start or establish an organization, company, institution, or system — bringing it into existence for the first time.

例句

Hoa and her partners set up a small coffee shop near the train station.

Hoa 和她的合夥人在火車站附近開了一家小咖啡店。

setup + [business]: founding an enterprise

The charity was set up in 2018 to support children's education in rural areas.

這個慈善機構成立於 2018 年,旨在支援偏鄉兒童的教育。

passive: was set up in [year]

同義詞
  • establish

    more formal; suggests permanence and legitimacy

  • found

    formal; focuses on the creation of an institution

  • start

    informal; broader meaning covering any beginning

反義詞

文法句型

setup + organization / institution

用法筆記

Can be distinguished from sense 11 (PLAN) by the result: this sense creates a lasting entity, while sense 11 creates a scheme or plan of action. The object is typically an organization, business, program, or system.

常見錯誤

They set up a new computer.
They set up a new company.
💡For machines/devices, use 'set up' as sense 5 (ADJUST/CONFIGURE), not this sense.

12. to plan or arrange something in careful detail beforehand, often in a way that i

12.動詞及物B2
釋義

策劃

事先詳細安排計畫或情境

to plan or arrange something in careful detail beforehand, often in a way that influences the outcome.

例句

The whole event was set up to look like a spontaneous celebration.

整場活動都是事先策劃好的,看起來像是一場即興慶祝。

passive: be set up to-infinitive, suggesting careful pre-planning

Obi set up a meeting between the two departments to resolve the dispute.

Obi 安排了兩個部門之間的會議來解決糾紛。

同義詞
  • prearrange

    formal; emphasizes that things were decided before the event

  • orchestrate

    suggests invisible control and coordination

  • rig

    negative connotation; implies dishonest manipulation

反義詞
  • improvise

    to do things without advance preparation

文法句型

setup + object (plan / scheme)

be set up + to-infinitive

用法筆記

When used without an object ('everything is set up for tomorrow'), this sense overlaps with more general preparation senses (see verb_b4 senses). The key distinction: this sense emphasizes advance planning and design of a scenario or scheme.

13. to trick someone into appearing guilty of a crime or wrongdoing, often by placin

13.動詞及物B2
釋義

陷害

用欺騙手段使某人看似有罪

to trick someone into appearing guilty of a crime or wrongdoing, often by placing false evidence or arranging a deceptive situation.

例句

Diego claimed his business partner had set him up to take the blame for the missing money.

Diego 聲稱他的生意夥伴陷害他,讓他為那筆丟失的錢承擔責任。

The police discovered that someone had set up the suspect by putting stolen goods in his car.

警方發現有人把贓物放進嫌犯的車裡來陷害他。

passive or active: set + person + up + by + [method]

同義詞
  • frame

    more direct and common in crime contexts; no preposition needed

  • entrap

    formal, used mainly in legal contexts

  • incriminate falsely

    clinical register; less common in everyday speech

反義詞

文法句型

set + object + up

be set up (passive)

用法筆記

Frequently used in the passive voice (be set up) when the focus is on the victim. The object must be a person; the means of deception is introduced with by or for.

常見錯誤

The thief set up a plan to steal the car.
The thief set up an innocent man to take the blame for the theft.
💡set up in this sense targets a person, not a plan or object.
She set up the computer to look like she had hacked it.
She set herself up to look like the hacker by leaving fake clues.
💡when used reflexively, 'set up' can mean deliberately creating a false impression about yourself.

14. to give someone the money, property, or practical resources they need to live in

14.動詞及物C1
釋義

資助;安頓

提供金錢或資源使能獨立生活

to give someone the money, property, or practical resources they need to live independently or begin a new stage of life.

例句

Nala's uncle set her up in a small apartment near the university so she could focus on her studies.

Nala 的叔叔替她在大學附近安頓了一間小公寓,讓她能專心念書。

set + person + up + in + [place]

After the fire destroyed their home, the community raised money to set the family up in a new place.

大火燒毀他們的家後,社區募款幫助這家人安頓到新住處。

同義詞
  • establish

    more formal; can be used for both people and organizations

  • finance

    focuses specifically on providing money

  • endow

    formal; implies long-term financial support, usually from a fund

文法句型

set + object + up + with/in/as

用法筆記

The preposition following up (with / in / as) signals the type of provision: with introduces resources, in introduces a location, as introduces a role or position.

15. to help someone regain their physical strength or mental well-being after illnes

15.動詞及物C1
釋義

恢復體力

幫助恢復健康或元氣

to help someone regain their physical strength or mental well-being after illness, injury, or exhaustion.

例句

A week of rest and good food set Diego up after his long battle with the flu.

一週的休息和營養的食物讓 Diego 在重感冒後恢復了元氣。

The mountain air and daily walks set Eli up better than any medicine could have.

山區的空氣和每天的散步讓 Eli 恢復得比任何藥物都有效。

set + person + up (no object separator)

同義詞
  • revive

    suggests bringing back from near-collapse

  • restore

    broader; can apply to health, order, or confidence

  • rehabilitate

    formal; implies a structured program of recovery

反義詞
  • weaken

    to make someone less strong or healthy

文法句型

set + object + up

set + object + up + with/in

用法筆記

Close in meaning to sense 9 (CHEER UP), which focuses on emotional mood. This sense focuses on physical or overall health recovery. The subject is often rest, treatment, or care, not a person.

常見錯誤

The doctor set up my broken leg.
The doctor set me up with physical therapy after my broken leg.
💡this sense does not mean 'repair' or 'treat medically'; it means 'restore through supportive care.'

16. to make someone develop a strong, well-shaped body through regular physical trai

16.動詞及物C1
釋義

鍛鍊體魄

透過訓練塑造結實體態

to make someone develop a strong, well-shaped body through regular physical training or military drill.

例句

The army sergeant set the new recruits up with daily runs and weight sessions.

軍中的士官長讓新兵每天跑步和做重量訓練來鍛鍊體魄。

set + person + up + with + [training routine]

Three months of boot camp set Sven up with a lean, muscular frame he had never had before.

三個月的軍事訓練營讓 Sven 練出了一副他以前從未有過的結實身材。

同義詞

文法句型

set + object + up + with + [exercise]

set + object + up as + [athlete/soldier]

用法筆記

Subject is typically a training programme, drill instructor, or coach. The object is a person, and the result is a physically fit appearance. Distinguish from sense 15 (RESTORE HEALTH), which addresses recovery rather than fitness-building.

17. in team sports, to position players or run planned moves in order to create a ch

17.動詞及物B2
釋義

佈陣

在團隊運動中安排戰術以製造得分機會

in team sports, to position players or run planned moves in order to create a chance to score points.

例句

The quarterback set up a quick pass to the wide receiver to gain the winning yards.

四分衛佈陣快速傳球給外接員,爭取致勝碼數。

Sofia set up the final shot by passing the ball to her teammate near the basket.

Sofia 把球傳給籃下的隊友,佈陣完成最後一投。

set up + [play / shot / pass] as object

同義詞
  • arrange

    more general; lacks the sports-play specificity

  • orchestrate

    suggests careful coordination of multiple players

文法句型

set up + [play / pass / shot]

set + object + up

用法筆記

The object is a plan or play, not a person. To express that a player enables a teammate to score, use sense 17 of the phrasal verb 'set up' (not covered here).

常見錯誤

He set up his teammate for a goal.' (correct in some contexts, but the sports-play sense specifically refers to planning plays, not assisting)
The coach set up a play that freed the striker to shoot.

18. in technical drawing or geometry, to draw a straight line or geometric shape tha

18.動詞及物C2
釋義

作圖

在製圖或幾何中從底線畫出垂直線或圖形

in technical drawing or geometry, to draw a straight line or geometric shape that rises from a given base line at a fixed angle.

例句

To begin the diagram, Harper set up a vertical line from the midpoint of the base.

Harper 從底線中點畫出一條垂直線,開始繪製圖表。

The architect showed the students how to set up a perpendicular from the given baseline using only a compass.

建築師示範如何用圓規從給定的基準線畫出垂直線。

set up + [geometric figure] + from + [baseline]

同義詞
  • erect

    formal; used in geometry for drawing a perpendicular

  • construct

    broader; used in both geometry and model-building

文法句型

set up + [line / figure / perpendicular] + on + [base]

用法筆記

Almost exclusively found in geometry textbooks and technical drawing instructions. The object is always a line or geometric figure (perpendicular, triangle, rectangle), never a person or machine.

19. to pull a rope, cable, strap, or similar object until it is straight, tight, and

19.動詞及物C1
釋義

繃緊;拉緊

拉繩索等使其繃緊

to pull a rope, cable, strap, or similar object until it is straight, tight, and has no looseness.

例句

Theo set up the slack line between the two trees until it was firm.

Theo 把兩棵樹之間的鬆弛繩索拉緊,直到繩子繃直。

set up + line/rope (make tight)

Before the storm hit, the crew set up every rigging line on the boat.

暴風雨來臨前,船員們把船上每一條索具都拉得緊緊的。

同義詞
  • tighten

    more general; can apply to screws, bolts, or fabrics

  • stretch

    focuses on pulling to full length rather than removing slack

反義詞

文法句型

set up + object (rope, cable, line)

set up + noun phrase + until/before + clause

用法筆記

Common in nautical, camping, and outdoor contexts. The object is always a flexible line or strap that can be tightened.

常見錯誤

Theo set up the nail on the wall.
Theo set up the rope on the wall.
💡This sense only applies to things that can be tightened, not rigid objects.

20. to pay for food, drinks, or entertainment for another person or a group as a gen

20.動詞及物B2
釋義

請客;招待

為他人付費享用餐飲

to pay for food, drinks, or entertainment for another person or a group as a generous or celebratory act.

例句

After the big sale closed, Kevin set up the whole team for a dinner downtown.

那筆大訂單成交後,Kevin 請全團隊去市區吃晚餐。

set up + someone + for + something (treat)

Dario set up the bar for everyone who stayed late to help clean up.

Dario 請所有留下來幫忙打掃的人喝酒。

同義詞
  • treat

    more general; can apply to any kind of hospitality

  • buy

    simpler and more direct; less social nuance

文法句型

set up + object (drinks, meal)

set up + someone

set up + someone + for + something

用法筆記

Informal and often used in bar, restaurant, or social settings. The person paying is usually celebrating an achievement or showing generosity.

21. to prepare a room, area, or outdoor space for an event or activity by placing ch

21.動詞及物 / 不及物B2
釋義

布置;準備

為活動準備場地物品

to prepare a room, area, or outdoor space for an event or activity by placing chairs, tables, equipment, and other items in their correct positions.

例句

The volunteers set up the hall for the charity dinner with long tables and flowers.

志工們在大廳裡擺好長桌和鮮花,為慈善晚宴做準備。

set up + space + for + event

Beatriz set up the meeting room with a screen, a projector, and name cards.

Beatriz 在會議室裡準備了螢幕、投影機和名牌。

同義詞
  • arrange

    general; no specific connection to an event or activity

  • prepare

    broader; can include non-spatial preparation

反義詞
  • clear

    opposite action of removing items from a space

  • dismantle

    taking apart what was set up

文法句型

set up + object (room, stage, hall)

set up + for + event (intransitive)

用法筆記

Distinguish from sense 5 (ADJUST MACHINE), which focuses on configuring a device. This sense focuses on arranging furniture, decorations, or spatial elements for an event.

22. to start a business, shop, professional practice, or other operation, often afte

22.動詞不及物B2
釋義

開業;創業

開始經營業務或專業

to start a business, shop, professional practice, or other operation, often after completing necessary training or preparation.

例句

After five years of training, Gabriela set up as a dentist in a coastal town.

經過五年的訓練,Gabriela 在一個沿海小鎮開業當牙醫。

set up + as + profession

Hiro set up in business as a wedding photographer last spring.

Hiro 去年春天開始從事婚禮攝影。

同義詞
  • establish

    more formal; can apply to large organizations

  • start

    simpler and more common; general

  • open

    specifically for a shop or restaurant

反義詞

文法句型

set up + as + profession

set up + in + business/field

set up + on one's own

用法筆記

Distinguish from sense 11 (FOUND OR INAUGURATE), which focuses on creating an institution or organization. Sense 22 focuses on an individual starting a professional practice or trade.

23. to claim or behave as though one has a particular skill, quality, or social posi

23.動詞不及物C2
釋義

標榜;冒充

自稱具備某種資格或地位

to claim or behave as though one has a particular skill, quality, or social position, often when this claim is exaggerated or unwarranted.

例句

Jude set up as a financial expert, though he had never managed his own savings.

Jude 自稱是理財專家,但他連自己的存款都沒管理過。

set up + as + noun phrase (pretend to be)

A man set up for a nobleman and tricked the villagers into giving him money.

一名男子自稱貴族,欺騙村民給他錢。

同義詞
  • pretend

    broader; can apply to any false claim of fact

  • pose as

    suggests deliberate deception rather than mere pretension

文法句型

set up + as + noun phrase

set up + for + noun phrase

用法筆記

Often carries a negative or skeptical tone, implying the claim is exaggerated. Distinguish from sense 10 (PRESENT ONESELF AS), which is neutral and describes how someone genuinely presents their identity.

24. to become firm, solid, or rigid through cooling, drying, or a chemical process s

24.動詞不及物C1
釋義

凝固;變硬

液態物質固化變硬的過程

to become firm, solid, or rigid through cooling, drying, or a chemical process such as setting.

例句

The concrete set up within a few hours after being poured into the mould.

混凝土澆入模具後幾小時內就凝固了。

intransitive: set up (become solid)

The gelatin dessert set up overnight in the refrigerator.

果凍在冰箱裡放了一整晚就凝固了。

同義詞
  • harden

    broader; can apply to any substance becoming harder

  • set

    shorter, more common form of the same meaning

反義詞
  • melt

    to change from solid to liquid

  • soften

    to become less firm

文法句型

set up (no object)

set up + in/within + time period

用法筆記

Common in materials science, cooking, and craft contexts. The subject is always a substance that undergoes a phase change from liquid or semi-liquid to solid.

常見錯誤

The ice set up in the freezer.
The water froze in the freezer.
💡'set up' for becoming solid applies to materials that cure or set (concrete, gelatin, glue, wax), not to freezing water.

setup — 名詞