SERVE Meaning and
Definition
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Serve is a versatile verb that encompasses multiple definitions and uses. Primarily, it refers to the action of providing assistance, aid, or support to someone or something. In this context, it implies performing duties or fulfilling responsibilities. Serve is often associated with occupations or roles where one is employed to assist or attend to others, such as a server at a restaurant serving customers or a nurse serving patients in a hospital.
Another common usage of serve is related to the act of providing food or drink to others, usually in a formal setting. This definition refers to serving meals, beverages, or refreshments at gatherings or social events, typically performed by waitstaff or hosts.
Moreover, serve can convey the idea of being of use or benefit to someone or something. It suggests fulfilling a purpose, function, or objective. For example, a tool or equipment can serve a specific function in a task or activity.
Serve can also relate to the performance of a duty or function within a specific capacity or organization. It may involve fulfilling an official or professional role, like serving as a judge, public official, or member of a governing body.
Lastly, serve can denote the act of delivering a serve in sports such as tennis, volleyball, or badminton. In these cases, it refers to initiating the game or play by hitting or throwing the ball or shuttlecock to the opposing side.
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To work for; to perform duties, as an officer in the army or navy; to assist; to attend at command; to yield obedience to; to supply with anything; to suffice for; to stand in place of something else; to officiate or minister; to be a servant or slave; to be subordinate to anything; to treat or requite, in an ill sense; to worship God; to present a writ; to attend or wait; to suit or be convenient.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for SERVE *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for SERVE
Etymology of SERVE
The word "serve" originated from the Old French verb "servir", which can be traced back to the Latin word "servire". In Latin, "servire" means "to be a servant or slave" and is derived from the noun "servus" meaning "servant" or "slave". The term "serve" was initially used in English around the 13th century with the meaning of performing duties or working in the capacity of a servant. Over time, it broadened in meaning to encompass various contexts, including providing assistance, fulfilling a role or function, and presenting in a formal manner.
Idioms with the word SERVE
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serve with
The idiom "serve with" typically refers to the act of providing or presenting something alongside another person, object, or dish. It can also imply the act of assisting, partnering, or collaborating with someone or something.
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serve up
The idiom "serve up" means to provide or offer something, often referring to presenting a meal or dish for consumption. It can also be used figuratively to describe the act of presenting or offering something intangible, such as information or entertainment.
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serve under
The idiom "serve under" refers to working or being in a subordinate position to someone, typically within an organization or hierarchy. It implies being under the authority or command of someone while performing duties or fulfilling responsibilities.
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serve time
The definition of the idiom "serve time" is to be in prison or to fulfill a sentence for a crime committed.
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serve sth up
The idiom "serve sth up" typically means to offer or present something, especially when providing a particular experience or information. It is often used in the context of providing food or drinks, but can also be used metaphorically in various situations.
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serve your/its turn
The idiom "serve your/its turn" means to be useful or helpful for a specific purpose or occasion. It implies that something or someone serves a purpose or fulfills a need, particularly when it is required or desired.
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serve right
The idiom "serve right" typically means to deserve the consequences or punishment that one receives, often due to their own behavior or actions. It implies that the outcome is appropriate and fitting given the circumstances.
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serve notice
The idiom "serve notice" generally means to formally inform someone about the end of a contractual agreement or relationship, typically in a professional or legal context. It can involve providing written notification, usually in the form of a letter or document, to express intent to terminate or conclude an arrangement.
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serve someone right
The idiom "serve someone right" means that a person has received the consequences they deserved or their actions have resulted in a just outcome. It often implies satisfaction or vindication on the part of the speaker.
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serve sth out
The idiom "serve sth out" typically refers to distributing or providing something, usually in a systematic or organized manner. It can often be used in contexts such as serving food, drinks, or any other kind of item to a group of people.
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serve to
The idiom "serve to" means that something has the purpose or effect of accomplishing a particular outcome or result. It implies that something is done or said with the intention of achieving a specific goal or serving a particular purpose.
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serve (one's) purpose
The idiom "serve one's purpose" means to fulfill or accomplish the intended objective or goal. It implies that something or someone is useful, effective, or suitable for a specific function or task at hand.
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Serve a purpose
The idiom "Serve a purpose" means to have a useful function or fulfill a particular need or objective. It refers to something or someone being effective, helpful, or relevant in achieving a goal or addressing a specific situation.
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serve a, his, its, etc. purpose
The idiom "serve a, his, its, etc. purpose" means to fulfill a particular function or accomplish a specific goal or objective. It implies that something or someone is being used or employed for a specific reason or intention.
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serve up sth
The idiom "serve up something" typically means to provide or present something, often in a manner that is intended to be appealing or satisfying. It can refer to serving a meal or food, as well as offering information, ideas, or entertainment.
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serve notice (on sm)
The idiom "serve notice (on sm)" means to formally inform or notify someone, usually in a legal or official manner, that a specific action will be taken against them or that a particular agreement or contract will be terminated. It implies a formal and authoritative communication of an impending change or consequence.
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serve out
The idiom "serve out" means to complete or fulfill a particular period of service, such as a prison sentence, military duty, or term in a position. It often implies that the individual remained in the role or position until their obligation or commitment was fully satisfied.
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serve (one) right
The idiom "serve (one) right" means that someone deserves the negative consequences or punishment they receive due to their actions or behavior. It is often used to express a sense of satisfaction or justification when someone experiences a setback or downfall as a result of their own wrongdoing.
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serve for
The idiom "serve for" means to be adequate or suitable for a particular purpose or use. It is often used to describe an object or thing that can fulfill a specific role or function.
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serve two masters
To "serve two masters" is an idiom that means attempting to please or be loyal to two conflicting or demanding authorities, interests, or responsibilities at the same time. It implies a challenging situation where one's obligations or loyalties are divided and difficult to fulfill simultaneously.
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break (someone's) serve
The idiom "break someone's serve" is a term commonly used in sports, specifically in tennis. It refers to a situation where a player successfully wins a game while their opponent serves. Breaking someone's serve means that the player receiving the serve manages to win the game, despite the server usually having the advantage. It is considered a significant achievement in tennis as it requires skill and strategy to overcome the advantage of the server. In a broader sense, the idiom can also be used metaphorically to describe overcoming an opponent's advantage or dominance in any competitive field.
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serve sb right
The idiom "serve someone right" means that someone deserves the consequences they are facing or receiving, often due to their own actions or behaviors.
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If you would be well served, serve yourself
The idiom "If you would be well served, serve yourself" means that if you want something done properly or efficiently, it is best to take responsibility for doing it yourself rather than relying on others. It suggests that you have to be proactive and self-reliant in order to achieve the best outcomes.
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You cannot serve God and mammon
The idiom "You cannot serve God and mammon" originates from a biblical reference, specifically Matthew 6:24, and it means that one cannot be totally devoted to both material possessions (often associated with wealth or money, represented by "mammon") and spiritual beliefs (represented by "God"). It suggests that a person must choose between these two opposing forces, implying that it is impossible to pursue both with equal dedication or priority. The idiom is often used to highlight the contrast or conflict between worldly desires and spiritual values.
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serve on
The definition of the idiom "serve on" is to be a member of a committee, board, jury, or any other organized group, typically for a specific period of time, in order to contribute, participate, or fulfill a designated role or responsibility.
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serve as
The idiom "serve as" means to function or act in the capacity of something, typically referring to an object, person, or situation that fulfills a certain role or purpose.
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They also serve who only stand and wait.
The idiom "They also serve who only stand and wait" means that one can contribute or fulfill a significant role even by simply being present and patiently waiting, without actively taking part or performing a visible action. It emphasizes the importance of patience, support, and moral strength in situations where there may not be an immediate opportunity for direct involvement or action.
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No man can serve two masters
The idiom "No man can serve two masters" means that it is impossible for someone to divide their loyalty or commitment equally between two conflicting or competing demands or interests. It suggests that one cannot fully devote themselves or please two people, organizations, or ideologies simultaneously.
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Serve a (useful) purpose
The idiom "Serve a (useful) purpose" means to have a practical or helpful function, or to be of value in achieving a specific goal or aim. It implies that something or someone fulfills a necessary role or provides a beneficial outcome.
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serve in
The idiom "serve in" typically refers to the act of working or performing duties in a particular role or position, often within a specific organization, institution, or capacity. It implies undertaking responsibilities and fulfilling tasks within a designated role or serving a particular purpose.
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serve as the driving force
The idiom "serve as the driving force" refers to being the primary or main factor that motivates, influences, or pushes forward a situation, event, or outcome. It indicates that something or someone is responsible for propelling or energizing a particular process or progress.
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Serve as a guinea pig
The idiom "Serve as a guinea pig" refers to being used or experimented on without prior knowledge or consent in order to gather information, test a theory, or evaluate the outcome or impact of something. It implies being the first person or group to undergo a new experience or participate in a trial or research study.
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serve around
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do/serve time
To "do/serve time" means to spend a period of time in prison or jail as a punishment for a crime.
Similar spelling words for SERVE
Conjugate verb Serve
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have served
you
would have served
he/she/it
would have served
we
would have served
they
would have served
I
would have serve
you
would have serve
he/she/it
would have serve
we
would have serve
they
would have serve
CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE
I
would have been serving
you
would have been serving
he/she/it
would have been serving
we
would have been serving
they
would have been serving
CONDITIONAL PRESENT
I
would serve
you
would serve
he/she/it
would serve
we
would serve
they
would serve
CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE
I
would be serving
you
would be serving
he/she/it
would be serving
we
would be serving
they
would be serving
FUTURE
I
will serve
you
will serve
he/she/it
will serve
we
will serve
they
will serve
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be serving
you
will be serving
he/she/it
will be serving
we
will be serving
they
will be serving
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have served
you
will have served
he/she/it
will have served
we
will have served
they
will have served
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been serving
you
will have been serving
he/she/it
will have been serving
we
will have been serving
they
will have been serving
IMPERATIVE
you
serve
we
let´s serve
to serve
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was serving
you
were serving
he/she/it
was serving
we
were serving
they
were serving
PAST PARTICIPLE
served
PAST PERFECT
I
had served
you
had served
he/she/it
had served
we
had served
they
had served
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been serving
you
had been serving
he/she/it
had been serving
we
had been serving
they
had been serving
PRESENT
I
serve
you
serve
he/she/it
serves
we
serve
they
serve
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am serving
you
are serving
he/she/it
is serving
we
are serving
they
are serving
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
serving
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have served
you
have served
he/she/it
has served
we
have served
they
have served
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been serving
you
have been serving
he/she/it
has been serving
we
have been serving
they
have been serving
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
he/she/it
serve
SIMPLE PAST
I
served
you
served
he/she/it
served
we
served
they
served
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