set out vs commence

set out and commence both are verbs.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
set out	No	No	Yes	No
commence	No	No	Yes	No

As verbs, set out and commence are synonyms defined as:

set out and commence: take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

Other synonyms of set out include begin, get, get down, set about, start, start out.

set out (verb)	commence (verb)
take the first step or steps in carrying out an action	take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
lay out orderly or logically in a line or as if in a line	set in motion, cause to start
depart for someplace	get off the ground