Service Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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service
[ˈsəːvɪs ]
Definitions
customer assistance
The action of helping or doing work for someone.
Synonyms
aid, assistance, help, support.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| service |
Use 'service' when referring to a system or organization providing something valuable to the public or to the act of serving customers in a business setting.
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| assistance |
Use 'assistance' when referring to help in a formal or professional context, often implying support with tasks or activities.
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| aid |
Use 'aid' when referring to help or resources given, especially in a formal or structured manner, often in emergency situations or international contexts.
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| help |
Use 'help' in everyday situations to describe giving or receiving support, often informally.
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| support |
Use 'support' when referring to emotional, financial, or practical help, often implying a long-term or ongoing relationship.
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Examples of usage
- The hotel offers excellent service to its guests.
- I received great service at the restaurant.
military
The armed forces of a country.
Synonyms
armed forces, military forces, militia.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| service |
When used a second time, it specifically refers to military service or time spent in the armed forces, highlighting duties, duration, or experience in the military context.
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| armed forces |
Refers specifically to a country's combined military organizations, and it is commonly used in formal and official language when discussing national defense or military structure.
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| military forces |
Another term for a nation's combined military units, often used interchangeably with 'armed forces,' but can also be more specific when referring to active, combat-ready units.
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| militia |
Refers to a group of civilians trained as soldiers but not part of the regular army. Often used when talking about smaller groups that provide supplemental defense or in historical contexts. Might carry a negative connotation if referred to in the context of unregulated or unofficial groups.
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Examples of usage
- He served in the military for five years.
- The military provides protection for the nation.
repair or maintain
The action of maintaining or repairing something.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| service |
Use this word when talking about regular maintenance tasks to keep something running smoothly. Often used for cars, machinery, and appliances.
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| maintain |
This word is best used when talking about keeping something in good condition over an extended period. Unlike 'service,' it implies regular attention and care rather than a one-time task.
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| repair |
Similar to 'fix,' but often used for more formal or technical situations. It typically involves more significant or complex fixes.
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| fix |
Use this word when talking about correcting a specific problem or making something work again. It's usually a one-time action.
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Examples of usage
- The mechanic serviced my car.
- He services all types of household appliances.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Business
- Many successful companies rely heavily on providing service rather than just selling products; excellent customer service often leads to repeat business.
- The service industry, which includes businesses like hotels, restaurants, and repair shops, accounts for a significant portion of employment globally.
Culture
- Across cultures, the concept of service varies; in some cultures, being of service is seen as a noble act, while in others, it can be linked to social status.
- Volunteering is a popular form of service, allowing individuals to give back to their communities without financial compensation.
Technology
- With the rise of the internet, many services, like banking and shopping, have moved online, creating a demand for tech support services as well.
- Software as a Service (SaaS) is a popular model where applications are delivered over the internet, allowing users to access software without installation.
Philosophy
- Philosophers often debate the ethics of service, highlighting the importance of intention behind serving others – is it altruism or self-interest?
- Many belief systems emphasize the significance of serving others as a path to personal fulfillment and ethical living.
Origin of 'service'
Main points about word origin
- The word originates from the Latin 'servitium', which means 'slavery' or 'servitude', indicating a relationship where one person provides for another.
- In Middle English, the term evolved to refer to the act of serving, specifically in the context of household staff and feudal obligations.
The word 'service' originated from the Old French word 'servise', which in turn came from the Latin word 'servitium', meaning 'slavery' or 'servitude'. Over time, the meaning of 'service' evolved to represent assistance, help, and military action. Today, 'service' is commonly used to describe the act of helping or doing work for someone, as well as the armed forces of a country.
See also: servant, server, serveware, serviette, servile, servility, servingware, subservience, subservient, subserviently.
Word Frequency Rank
Ranking #168, this word is extremely common in English. It's a crucial part of basic vocabulary that's used constantly in both spoken and written communication, making it essential for even basic conversations.