setting

noun

: the place and conditions in which something happens or exists

: the time, place, and conditions in which the action of a book, movie, etc., takes place

: the rooms, painted backgrounds, furniture, etc., that are used for a scene in a movie or play

Full Definition of SETTING

: the manner, position, or direction in which something is set

: the frame or bed in which a gem is set; also : style of mounting

a : the time, place, and circumstances in which something occurs or develops

b : the time and place of the action of a literary, dramatic, or cinematic work

c : the scenery used in a theatrical or film production

: the music composed for a text (as a poem)

: the articles of tableware for setting a place at table <two settings of sterling silver>

: a batch of eggs for incubation

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First Known Use of SETTING

14th century

Related to SETTING

Synonyms: ambient, atmosphere, climate, clime, context, contexture, environs, medium, milieu, mise-en-scène, environment, surround, surroundings, terrain

Synonym Discussion of SETTING

background, setting, environment, milieu, mise-en-scène mean the place, time, and circumstances in which something occurs. background often refers to the circumstances or events that precede a phenomenon or development <the shocking decision was part of the background of the riots>. setting suggests looking at real-life situations in literary or dramatic terms <a militant reformer who was born into an unlikely social setting>. environment applies to all the external factors that have a formative influence on one's physical, mental, or moral development <the kind of environment that produces juvenile delinquents>. milieu applies especially to the physical and social surroundings of a person or group of persons <an intellectual milieu conducive to artistic experimentation>. mise-en-scène strongly suggests the use of properties to achieve a particular atmosphere or theatrical effect <a gothic thriller with a carefully crafted mise-en-scène>.