The phrasal verb "set off" is a versatile expression in the English language, possessing multiple meanings depending on the context. It generally implies initiating a journey, triggering an event, or causing something to become apparent. Understanding its nuances is crucial for precise communication, particularly in academic writing and analysis, as required in the UPSC Civil Services Examination. This answer will explore the various meanings of "set off" and illustrate them with examples pertinent to the Indian context, covering areas like economic development, social movements, and geopolitical events. Understanding "Set Off" - Multiple Meanings The phrasal verb "set off" can be understood in several distinct ways: 1. To Begin a Journey This is perhaps the most common meaning, signifying the commencement of a trip or voyage. Example: "The Prime Minister set off on a five-nation tour to strengthen diplomatic ties." (International Relations) Example: "Thousands of pilgrims set off for the annual Amarnath Yatra despite security concerns." (Indian Society) 2. To Cause Something to Happen; To Trigger Here, "set off" implies initiating an event or reaction. Example: "The controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) set off widespread protests across the country in 2019-20." (Indian Polity) Example: "The demonetization policy in 2016 set off a period of economic disruption and cash crunch." (Indian Economy) Example: "The surgical strikes across the Line of Control set off a new wave of nationalism in India." (Security) 3. To Detonate (Explosives) This meaning relates to causing an explosion. Example: "Security forces discovered and defused a series of IEDs that were set off by insurgents in the Kashmir valley." (Security) 4. To Show Something Clearly; To Highlight In this context, "set off" means to make something stand out or become noticeable. Example: "The stark contrast between the rich and the poor sets off the inequalities inherent in the Indian social structure." (Indian Society) Example: "The recent reforms in the agricultural sector set off a debate about the future of Indian farming." (Indian Economy) 5. To Compensate or Balance (in Accounting/Economics) This is a more technical meaning, often used in financial contexts. Example: "The losses incurred by the company were set off against its profits from the previous year." (Indian Economy) Illustrative Table of "Set Off" in Different Contexts Meaning Context Example Begin a Journey International Relations The President set off to address the United Nations General Assembly. Trigger an Event Indian Polity The Supreme Court verdict set off a political storm. Highlight/Show Clearly Indian Society The data on female literacy sets off the need for greater investment in education. Compensate/Balance Indian Economy Tax rebates can be set off against income tax liability. In conclusion, "set off" is a multifaceted phrasal verb with a range of meanings, from initiating a journey to triggering events and highlighting disparities. A nuanced understanding of these meanings is essential for effective communication and analytical writing, particularly in the context of the UPSC examination. The ability to correctly interpret and utilize this phrase demonstrates a strong command of the English language and its application to complex socio-political and economic scenarios.

Question 65 | UPSC Mains ENGLISH 2022

set off

How to Approach

This question requires defining the phrasal verb "set off" and illustrating its various meanings with examples relevant to the UPSC syllabus. The answer should demonstrate a strong command of English vocabulary and the ability to apply it in contexts related to Indian polity, economy, society, or international relations. A structured approach, defining the term and then providing multiple examples categorized by meaning, is recommended.

Understanding "Set Off" - Multiple Meanings

The phrasal verb "set off" can be understood in several distinct ways:

1. To Begin a Journey

This is perhaps the most common meaning, signifying the commencement of a trip or voyage.

Example: "The Prime Minister set off on a five-nation tour to strengthen diplomatic ties." (International Relations)
Example: "Thousands of pilgrims set off for the annual Amarnath Yatra despite security concerns." (Indian Society)

2. To Cause Something to Happen; To Trigger

Here, "set off" implies initiating an event or reaction.

Example: "The controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) set off widespread protests across the country in 2019-20." (Indian Polity)
Example: "The demonetization policy in 2016 set off a period of economic disruption and cash crunch." (Indian Economy)
Example: "The surgical strikes across the Line of Control set off a new wave of nationalism in India." (Security)

3. To Detonate (Explosives)

This meaning relates to causing an explosion.

Example: "Security forces discovered and defused a series of IEDs that were set off by insurgents in the Kashmir valley." (Security)

4. To Show Something Clearly; To Highlight

In this context, "set off" means to make something stand out or become noticeable.

Example: "The stark contrast between the rich and the poor sets off the inequalities inherent in the Indian social structure." (Indian Society)
Example: "The recent reforms in the agricultural sector set off a debate about the future of Indian farming." (Indian Economy)

5. To Compensate or Balance (in Accounting/Economics)

This is a more technical meaning, often used in financial contexts.

Example: "The losses incurred by the company were set off against its profits from the previous year." (Indian Economy)

Illustrative Table of "Set Off" in Different Contexts

Meaning	Context	Example
Begin a Journey	International Relations	The President set off to address the United Nations General Assembly.
Trigger an Event	Indian Polity	The Supreme Court verdict set off a political storm.
Highlight/Show Clearly	Indian Society	The data on female literacy sets off the need for greater investment in education.
Compensate/Balance	Indian Economy	Tax rebates can be set off against income tax liability.

Additional Resources

Key Definitions

Phrasal Verb

A phrasal verb is a combination of a verb and a preposition or adverb, or both, which creates a new meaning. The meaning of a phrasal verb is often different from the meanings of the individual words.

IED

Improvised Explosive Device. A bomb constructed and deployed in an unconventional manner.

Key Statistics

According to the 2011 Census of India, the literacy rate is 74.04%, with a significant gender gap. This disparity sets off concerns about equitable access to education.

Source: Census of India, 2011

India's GDP growth rate was significantly impacted in FY21 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, contracting by 7.3%. This economic downturn set off a series of relief measures by the government.

Source: National Statistical Office (NSO), 2021

Examples

The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan

The launch of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan in 2014 set off a nationwide movement towards improved sanitation and cleanliness.

Frequently Asked Questions

▶Is it correct to use "set off" interchangeably with "start"?

While "start" can sometimes be used as a substitute, "set off" often implies a more deliberate initiation or a journey with a specific purpose. It also carries connotations of triggering an event or reaction that "start" doesn't always convey.