Serve

Definition

The word "serve" chiefly means (1) to perform duties or provide a service for someone or something; (2) to present food or drink for consumption; (3) to supply or be suitable for a purpose; and (4) in sports, to put the ball into play. As a noun, it denotes the act of serving—especially the opening stroke in racket sports.

Parts of Speech

• Verb
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /sɝːv/
• Respelling: SIRV

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /sɜːv/
• Respelling: SURV

Etymology

"Serve" stems from Middle English serven, from Old French servir, ultimately from Latin servire “to be a servant, be in service,” related to servus “slave.” The sporting sense is attested since the late 15th century.

Derivatives

• Service (noun)
• Server (noun)
• Serving (noun / present participle)
• Servitude (noun)
• Subservient (adjective, related)

Synonyms

• Assist
• Provide
• Supply
• Function
• Deliver

Antonyms

• Neglect
• Withhold
• Fail
• Disobey

Usage

"Serve" occurs in legal, culinary, military, technological, and sporting contexts. Examples: "She will serve as chairperson for two years," "Dinner is served at seven," and "He won the match with a powerful serve."

Related Terms

• Service: The action of helping or doing work for someone.
• Server: A person or device that provides a service to others.
• Volunteer: A person who freely offers to serve without pay.

Detailed Definitions

Verb

• To perform duties for or act in the employ of someone: Refers to working on behalf of a person, group, or organization.
  • Example: "She served the company faithfully for three decades."
• To present food or drink to be eaten or drunk: Indicates placing prepared items before guests or customers.
  • Example: "They served coffee after the meeting."
• To fulfill a function or meet a need: Emphasizes suitability or utility for a specific purpose.
  • Example: "This document serves as proof of residence."
• To deliver legal documents to a person (law): Involves formally notifying someone of legal action.
  • Example: "The summons was served yesterday afternoon."
• To put the ball into play to start a point (sports): Initiates play in tennis, volleyball, table tennis, and similar games.
  • Example: "She served an ace on match point."
• To be of use or advantage (serve someone right / serve a purpose): Expresses fitting consequence or practical adequacy.
  • Example: "It will serve you right if you ignore the warnings."

Noun

• The act of putting the ball into play at the start of a point (sports): Denotes the initial stroke or delivery.
  • Example: "Her serve is the fastest on the tour."
• An individual portion of food or drink (chiefly US, informal): Refers to a single helping.
  • Example: "The recipe makes four serves."