Set off VS Set out
As i found in a dictionary, there are the parallels and the differences between "Set off" and "Set out".
I've been confused to figure it out....

1.to make a bomb, etc. explode to set off fireworks
They set the bomb off as soon as they were a safe distance away.

2.to make an alarm start
If you burn the toast you'll set the smoke alarm off.

3.to start a process or series of events
The news set off a wave of panic on world markets.

4.to make something appear more attractive by being placed near it
That scarf sets off the blue of her eyes.

1.to leave a place and begin a journey, especially a long journey
They set out on the last stage of their journey.

2.set out to do something to begin to do something with a particular aim or purpose
She set out to break the world record.

1.to arrange or display something
She began setting out plates and glasses.

2.to present ideas, facts, etc. in a clear, organized way, in speech or writing

Question

Set off VS Set out
As i found in a dictionary, there are the parallels and the differences between "Set off" and "Set out".
I've been confused to figure it out....

1.to make a bomb, etc. explode to set off fireworks  
They set the bomb off as soon as they were a safe distance away.

2.to make an alarm start
If you burn the toast you'll set the smoke alarm off.

3.to start a process or series of events
The news set off a wave of panic on world markets.

4.to make something appear more attractive by being placed near it
That scarf sets off the blue of her eyes.

1.to leave a place and begin a journey, especially a long journey
They set out on the last stage of their journey.

2.set out to do something to begin to do something with a particular aim or purpose
She set out to break the world record.

1.to arrange or display something
She began setting out plates and glasses.

2.to present ideas, facts, etc. in a clear, organized way, in speech or writing

Answer

usually they are exactly the same. you can set off to do something or set out to do something, not a real difference.

Answer

Looking up phrasal verbs in a dictionary just confuses you. I really recommend not doing it. The best way to understand a phrasal verb is in context, ie. you need a full sentence.

"Set out" and "set off" only have a similar meaning when talking about a departure. Notice that another preposition always follows. That is, in this context the verb is intransitive; the other meanings use the phrasal verb as a transitive verb (with a direct object), and thus you have a different meaning.

Answer

Think of "set off" almost like "to start" or "activate"(though it can also mean similar to "contrast")
And "set out" more like to "place" or "put" something out somewhere.

In most uses at least.

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