start out vs set off

start out and set off both are verbs.

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

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

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

start out (verb)	set off (verb)
take the first step or steps in carrying out an action	cause to burst with a violent release of energy
depart for someplace	set in motion or cause to begin
	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