Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Served Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🍽️
Add to dictionary

served

[sɜːrvd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

food service

The word 'served' is the past tense of the verb 'serve', which means to present food or drink to someone. It can also refer to providing assistance or helping someone in a particular capacity. In formal settings, it implies the act of providing meals or beverages as part of hospitality. Additionally, it can relate to serving in a military context, where it means to fulfill one's duties or responsibilities while in service. The term is widely used in both casual and formal dining situations.

Synonyms

delivered, offered, presented.

Examples of usage

  • The waiter served the main course.
  • She served her guests drinks.
  • He served in the army for five years.
Context #2 | Verb

sports context

'Served' can also refer to the action of throwing a ball to start a game or point in sports like tennis or volleyball. In this context, it involves a specific technique and strategy that can be critical to the game's outcome. The serve is generally a player's first opportunity to score points, making the execution of a good serve essential to success in the sport.

Synonyms

delivered, pitched, threw.

Examples of usage

  • She served an ace in the final match.
  • The player served the ball quickly.
  • He practiced his serve for hours.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Culinary Arts

  • In fine dining, the way food is 'served' can greatly affect the dining experience and is considered an art form.
  • Different cuisines have unique ways of serving that reflect their culture, such as tapas in Spain and family-style servings in Italy.
  • Presentation is key; how a dish is plated before it is served can enhance appetite and enjoyment.

Law and Politics

  • 'Served' has a legal context; for example, when someone is 'served' a subpoena, it means they are officially given a legal document.
  • In politics, officials can 'serve' their term, which means fulfilling a role or office over a set period.
  • The idea of public service involves dedicating one's efforts to serve the community and the common good.

Social Context

  • In many cultures, serving others is seen as a virtue and a way to show generosity and care.
  • Restaurants often focus on providing excellent service as a way to create positive experiences for customers.
  • Acts of service can include volunteering or helping neighbors, showing that serving extends beyond food.

Entertainment and Gaming

  • In gaming, the term 'serve' is used in multiplayer contexts when players assist or support each other.
  • In sports, particularly tennis, serving is a key skill, as it's the action that starts each point.
  • Movies and shows often depict characters 'serving' in various roles, highlighting the dynamics of giving and responsibility.

Origin of 'served'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'served' comes from the Old French 'servir', meaning to serve or to be a servant.
  • In Middle English, the term was used to refer to both serving food and being in service to others.
  • The transition to the modern form 'served' highlights how the word has evolved in usage in various contexts.

The word 'serve' comes from the Latin word 'servire,' which means 'to serve, be of service.' This Latin root relates to the concept of providing or performing duties for someone else. The term evolved through Old French 'server' before entering Middle English as 'serven.' Its usage broadened over the centuries to encompass various forms of assistance, hospitality, and military service. By the 15th century, 'serve' was commonly used in the context of providing food and drink, reflecting the societal importance of hospitality in medieval culture. The nuances of 'served' continue to expand in modern English, illustrating the versatile nature of the term across numerous contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

At #993 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.