Serving Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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serving
[ˈsɜːrvɪŋ ]
Definitions
food context
Serving refers to an amount of food meant for one person. It can also pertain to the act of providing food to others. The size of a serving can vary based on the type of dish and dietary guidelines. In culinary terms, proper serving sizes are important for nutrition and portion control. Additionally, in a restaurant setting, serving can denote the presentation and distribution of meals to patrons.
Synonyms
amount, dish, helping, portion.
Examples of usage
- Please take a serving of vegetables with your meal.
- The serving size for this pasta dish is large.
- He barely finished his serving at dinner.
- She meticulously arranged each serving on the plate.
food context
To serve means to present or provide food or drink to someone. It can also imply the act of attending to someone's needs, especially in hospitality settings. Serving can be done in various ways, such as plating food, delivering drinks, or even offering assistance. The manner in which someone serves can influence the overall dining experience.
Synonyms
attend, deliver, present, provide.
Examples of usage
- The waiter serves the customers promptly.
- She enjoys serving her guests at dinner parties.
- He's learning how to serve wine correctly.
- They served the meal with great enthusiasm.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Culinary Arts
- In restaurants, a 'serving' refers to a specific portion of food prepared for one person.
- Different cultures have unique serving styles, such as family-style, where dishes are shared at the table.
- In baking, certain recipes may specify the amount served, such as 'one serving of cake'.
Sports Terminology
- In tennis, 'serving' refers to the action of putting the ball into play, starting a point.
- Players often practice their serving technique extensively, as it can influence the game's outcome.
- In team sports like volleyball, serving is crucial and can vary in style, such as underhand or overhand.
Psychology of Giving
- Serving others can lead to positive emotional feelings, often referred to as the 'helper's high'.
- Research shows that volunteering or serving in any capacity can improve mental well-being.
- Acts of serving can also strengthen social bonds and community connections.
Modern Usage
- The term 'serving' is often used in social media contexts, such as 'serving looks' when someone shows off their style.
- In customer service, serving can encompass support beyond just food – it's about satisfying customer needs.
- The phrase 'serving justice' in legal terms means to deliver a judgment or punishment to someone.
Origin of 'serving'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin word 'servire', which means 'to serve, to be a servant'.
- It has been used since the 14th century in the English language to describe an act of providing or helping.
- Originally, it was closely associated with serving in a household or at a royal court.
The word 'serving' derives from the Old French term 'servir', which means 'to serve'. This, in turn, originated from the Latin 'servire', meaning 'to be a slave or servant'. Over time, the meaning evolved to encompass the act of providing service, particularly in relation to food and drink. Initially, the concept of serving was linked to nobility and feudal systems where servants would cater to the needs of their lords. With the rise of public dining establishments and hospitality industries, the term began to be associated with formal dining protocols and the proper presentation of meals. In modern contexts, serving encompasses both casual and formal settings, reflecting its adaptability in language and usage in culinary environments.