Meaning & use
to reset
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Meanings
verbtransitivecomputing
to make a machine, device, or system start again or return to its original settings.
Grammar: Takes an object: reset the router. The past tense is also 'reset', not 'resetted'.
Patterns
- reset something
- reset something to something
If the screen freezes, reset the tablet by holding the power button.
She reset her password after forgetting it.
The technician reset the alarm system to its factory settings.
verbtransitive
to change a clock, timer, or measuring device so that it starts again from zero or a chosen point.
Grammar: Takes an object, often a clock or timer: reset the timer.
Patterns
- reset a clock
- reset a timer
- reset the counter
Don't forget to reset your watch when you land in a new time zone.
He reset the timer and started the experiment again.
The referee reset the clock after the foul.
verbtransitivefigurative
to arrange or establish something again in a new or better way.
Grammar: Takes an object; often used with abstract nouns like 'expectations' or 'relationship'.
Patterns
- reset expectations
- reset a relationship
- reset the agenda
The new manager tried to reset expectations about working hours.
They took a long holiday to reset their relationship.
The crisis forced the company to reset its priorities.
Word forms
| third person singular | resets |
|---|---|
| past tense | reset |
| past participle | reset |
| -ing form | resetting |
Common combinations
- reset a password
- I had to reset my password because I kept typing it wrong.
- reset the router
- Unplug the router for a minute, then plug it back in to reset it.
- reset the clock
- We reset the clock when daylight saving began.
- factory reset
- A factory reset will erase all your data.
- reset your expectations
- After the loss, the coach asked the team to reset their expectations.
Synonyms and how they differ
- restart
- Restart means to start again, often by turning something off and on; reset focuses on returning to original settings or zero.
- reboot
- Reboot is mainly used for computers and means to start the operating system again; reset is broader and can also mean restoring settings.
- readjust
- Readjust means to change something slightly to make it fit better; reset suggests a more complete return to a starting point.
Word family
- reset noun
- an act of resetting, or a button that does this
- resettable adjective
- able to be reset
Commonly confused: to reset or resit?
to reset vs resit
Resit means to take an exam again; reset is about machines, devices, or arrangements. The spelling is different: one 's' in resit, two in reset.
Practice
Choose the correct sentence.
Choose one answer.
The past tense of 'reset' is 'reset', so option 1 is correct. 'Resetted' does not exist; 'resets' is present tense and does not fit 'yesterday'; and 'was reset' would need a different structure, such as 'The router was reset'.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “to reset”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.