set off vs start out

set off and start out both are verbs.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
set off	No	No	Yes	No
start out	No	No	Yes	No

As verbs, set off and start out are synonyms defined as:

Other synonyms of set off include depart, part, set forth, set out, start, take off.

set off (verb)	start out (verb)
cause to burst with a violent release of energy	take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
set in motion or cause to begin	depart for someplace
direct attention to, as if by means of contrast
provoke or stir up
put in motion or move to act
depart for someplace
make up for