set width: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical, Professional
Quick answer
What does “set width” mean?
The fixed or predetermined width of something, often used in contexts of design, publishing, typography, or manufacturing.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The fixed or predetermined width of something, often used in contexts of design, publishing, typography, or manufacturing.
1) In typography: the horizontal space a character or typeface occupies. 2) In manufacturing/design: a specified dimension that something is set to be.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Spelling conventions (e.g., 'metre' vs. 'meter' in accompanying text) may differ.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations.
Frequency
Slightly more common in US English due to greater prevalence of certain technical/manufacturing discourses.
Grammar
How to Use “set width” in a Sentence
[Subject] + set + [Object] + width + [Adjunct: to/at X]The + set width + of + [Noun Phrase] + [Copula] + [Value]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “set width” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- You need to set the width of the gutter in millimetres.
- The programme allows you to set column width precisely.
American English
- Set the width of the margin to one inch.
- First, set the width parameter in the dialog box.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in product specification documents.
Academic
Used in engineering, design, and typography research papers.
Everyday
Very rare. Might be used in DIY or crafting contexts.
Technical
Core term in typography, CAD software, web design (CSS: width: set value), and manufacturing.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “set width”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “set width”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “set width”
- Using 'set width' as a verb phrase incorrectly (e.g., 'I will set width the column' instead of 'I will set the width of the column').
- Confusing 'set width' with 'letter-spacing' (kerning/tracking) in typography.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a two-word noun phrase. It is sometimes hyphenated ('set-width') when used as a compound modifier before a noun (e.g., 'the set-width value').
Not directly. The verb is 'to set the width' or 'to set [something's] width'. 'Set width' itself is a noun phrase describing the result or specification.
'Set width' refers to the inherent, designed width of a single character. 'Tracking' (or letter-spacing) is the uniform adjustment of space between a group of characters, applied after their set widths are established.
No. It is a specialised technical term. Most everyday speakers would simply say 'width' or 'the width is set to...'.
The fixed or predetermined width of something, often used in contexts of design, publishing, typography, or manufacturing.
Set width is usually technical, professional in register.
Set width: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsɛt ˈwɪdθ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsɛt ˈwɪdθ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Set in one's ways (conceptually related to 'fixed', but not directly linked to 'set width')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a typesetter using a metal block (a 'set') for a letter; its WIDTH is fixed and cannot change.
Conceptual Metaphor
WIDTH IS A CONTAINER (with fixed boundaries); SETTING IS FIXING (making something permanent).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'set width' most precisely defined and frequently used?