Serve Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฝ๏ธ
serve
[sษrv ]
Definitions
in a restaurant
Perform duties for others by providing them with meals or drinks.
Synonyms
attend to, help, wait on.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| serve |
Used often in formal or service-oriented situations where assistance is provided, especially in restaurants, organizations, or roles involving delivering goods.
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| wait on |
Primarily used in the context of restaurants or hospitality services where someone is providing service directly to a customer or guest.
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| attend to |
Generally used in contexts where specific needs or issues require care or resolution, often implying a more focused or detailed approach.
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| help |
A broad term used in most situations where assistance or support is provided. It can be formal or informal.
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Examples of usage
- He served us with tea and cakes.
- She served us a delicious dinner.
in a legal setting
Present (someone) with a formal written notice of a lawsuit.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| serve |
Appropriate in formal contexts, especially in military, hospitality, legal settings or when providing food and drink.
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| deliver |
Used when referring to transporting and handing over items, messages, or in childbirth. Also appropriate in formal speeches or promises.
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| hand over |
Used when transferring possession or control to someone else, often implying a formal or necessary action.
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| give |
Commonly used in a broad range of everyday situations when transferring objects or information to someone.
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Examples of usage
- The lawyer served the defendant with legal papers.
- She served him with a court summons.
in tennis
Hit (the ball) from a stationary position to begin play.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| serve |
In sports, especially tennis or volleyball, 'serve' is used to describe the action of starting a point by hitting the ball to the opponent. It is also used in a more general context to describe the act of providing a service or assistance.
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| hit |
Used to describe making contact with something using force. It can be applied in various situations, such as playing sports, physical altercations, or even metaphorically to describe being impacted strongly by something, like news or an idea.
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| strike |
Involves hitting something or someone with force. Often used in contexts such as hitting in baseball, attacking in combat, or workers' refusal to work in protest. Can also mean a significant discovery or achievement.
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| smash |
Indicates breaking something into pieces with force. In sports, especially badminton or tennis, 'smash' describes a powerful downward hit. This word generally conveys a high-intensity action.
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Examples of usage
- She served an ace.
- He served the ball with great speed.
in a restaurant
The action of helping or doing work for someone.
Synonyms
aid, assistance, help.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| serve |
As mentioned earlier, it involves performing duties or working for others. The repetition here is to emphasize serving in two different contextsโ as serving food or beverages and serving a community or nation.
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| assistance |
Formal term for help or support, often used in official settings or to emphasize the act of providing help.
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| aid |
Often used in the context of providing help in a formal or organized manner, such as financial support, medical help, or during emergencies.
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| help |
General term for making it easier for someone to do something by offering one's services or resources.
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Examples of usage
- The waiter gave good service.
- The service was excellent.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Culinary Arts
- In the culinary world, 'serve' refers not only to handing over food but also to how it's presented, enhancing the dining experience.
- Different cultures have various ways of serving dishes, reflecting their culinary traditions - for example, family-style dining or plated servings.
Sports
- In tennis, a player begins every point by serving the ball, demonstrating a strategic play that can influence the game's outcome.
- The term also applies to other sports, like volleyball, where the serve initiates the game.
Military
- In military contexts, to serve can mean fulfilling a duty or obligation, emphasizing commitment and loyalty.
- Historical figures have often used their service to inspire the ideals of honor and sacrifice.
Social Responsibility
- Community service is a way individuals can contribute to society, providing assistance to those in need, often as part of a school or organization.
- Volunteering is a popular form of serving, where people give their time to support causes they care about, showing empathy and solidarity.
Origin of 'serve'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'serve' comes from the Latin 'servire', meaning 'to serve' or 'to be a servant'.
- In Old French, the word 'servir' influenced the modern English term, solidifying its roots in helping others.
The word 'serve' originated from the Old French word 'servir', which means 'to serve'. It has been used in the English language since the 13th century. The concept of serving others has been an important aspect of human society throughout history, whether in terms of providing food and drinks, fulfilling legal duties, or engaging in sports activities.