set out vs set about

set out and set about both are verbs.

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

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

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

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

set out (verb)	set about (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	enter upon an activity or enterprise
depart for someplace	begin to deal with