Tools: Learn New Words | Secure Password Generator | Startup Tools | PDF Generator

Serve (Verb)

Meaning¹

Contribute or conduce to; "The scandal served to increase his popularity".

Classification

Verbs of being, having, spatial relations.

Examples

The donation served to fund the local charity's new community center.
Her kind words served to calm the anxious patient.
The research served to prove the link between the environmental factor and the disease.
The new policy served to boost employee morale and productivity.
The negative review served to deter potential customers from trying the product.

Meaning²

Devote (part of) one's life or efforts to, as of countries, institutions, or ideas; "She served the art of music"; "He served the church"; "serve the country".

Classification

Verbs of political and social activities and events.

Examples

She has served the cause of protecting the environment throughout her career as a biologist.
He served his country as a soldier for 10 years before going into politics.
The charity organization aims to serve the less fortunate by providing them with food and shelter.
She served the medical community through her groundbreaking research on cancer treatments.
They have served the art of music by teaching and mentoring young musicians throughout the years.

Meaning³

Deliver a warrant or summons to someone; "He was processed by the sheriff".

Classification

Verbs of touching, hitting, tying, digging.

Examples

The process server arrived to serve her with court papers related to the lawsuit.
The warrant was issued, and he was sent to serve it to the suspect.
When the officer came, she had to serve the defendant with the summons.
The document needed to be authentic before they could serve the individual involved.
He was stopped on the street as the bailiff came to serve him with a subpoena.

Be sufficient; be adequate, either in quality or quantity; "A few words would answer"; "This car suits my purpose well"; "Will $100 do?"; "A `B' grade doesn't suffice to get me into medical school"; "Nothing else will serve".

Classification

Verbs of being, having, spatial relations.

Examples

A small backpack would serve for our day trip.
This hotel room will serve for the night.
A simple room would serve our needs.
Twenty dollars should serve for the cab ride.
A brief explanation would serve for now.

Synonyms

Hypernyms

Hyponyms

Meaning⁵

Mate with; "male animals serve the females for breeding purposes".

Classification

Verbs of touching, hitting, tying, digging.

Examples

Male birds often build intricate nests to attract mates, and then serve the female for breeding purposes.
In some species of mammals, the dominant male serves the female during the breeding season.
Alpha males in certain primate groups serve multiple females to ensure the survival of their genetic lineage.
Male peacocks will display their elaborate plumage to attract a mate, and then serve the female for reproductive purposes.
In many animal species, the male plays a critical role in reproduction and serves the female to ensure successful breeding.

Synonyms

Service

Hypernyms

Meaning⁶

Promote, benefit, or be useful or beneficial to; "Art serves commerce"; "Their interests are served"; "The lake serves recreation"; "The President's wisdom has served the country well".

Classification

Verbs of being, having, spatial relations.

Examples

This project will serve as a model for future community development initiatives.
Her ideas serve to illustrate the importance of sustainable living.
Spending time with family serves to rejuvenate the spirit.
The new community center serves the needs of local residents.
The organization's mission serves to protect and preserve the environment.

Meaning⁷

Be used by; as of a utility; "The sewage plant served the neighboring communities"; "The garage served to shelter his horses".

Classification

Verbs of political and social activities and events.

Examples

The airport serves the eastern part of the state with several flights a day.
The bridge has served as a vital transportation link between the cities since its construction.
This old generator still serves to power the entire neighborhood during outages.
The internet hub serves the rural town where people couldn't get a connection otherwise.
The nearby town's hospital serves as the region's primary medical facility.

Synonyms

Service

Hypernyms

Meaning⁸

Provide (usually but not necessarily food); "We serve meals for the homeless"; "She dished out the soup at 8 P.M."; "The entertainers served up a lively show".

Classification

Verbs of eating and drinking.

Examples

The charity serve free hot meals to those in need every Sunday evening.
They serve exotic dishes at this new restaurant that just opened downtown.
She decided to serve a variety of finger foods at the party.
The musicians will serve up some great music during the festival tonight.
The volunteers will serve breakfast to everyone at the community event tomorrow morning.

Synonyms

Hypernyms

Meaning⁹

Serve a purpose, role, or function; "The tree stump serves as a table"; "The female students served as a control group"; "This table would serve very well"; "His freedom served him well"; "The table functions as a desk".

Classification

Verbs of being, having, spatial relations.

Examples

This table serves as a desk in the study area.
Her skills as a nurse served the community well during the pandemic.
The historic building serves as a museum and tourist attraction.
The charity work serves as a role model for the younger generation.
The new smartphone features serve the needs of a busy professional.

Synonyms

Function

Hypernyms

Meaning¹⁰

Work for or be a servant to; "May I serve you?"; "She attends the old lady in the wheelchair"; "Can you wait on our table, please?"; "Is a salesperson assisting you?"; "The minister served the King for many years".

Classification

Verbs of political and social activities and events.

Examples

She has been hired to serve the wealthy family at their estate in the countryside.
He trained as a butler to serve prominent families and their guests.
Can I serve you a cup of tea while you're waiting for the host to arrive?
She waited tables to serve student customers at the university café during her summer break.
He was employed to serve an ambassador representing his country's interests abroad.

Synonyms

Hypernyms

Assist
Aid

Related Words

Meaning¹¹

Spend time in prison or in a labor camp; "He did six years for embezzlement".

Classification

Verbs of being, having, spatial relations.

Examples

She will serve five years for her role in the conspiracy.
He was sentenced to life and will serve his term in a maximum-security prison.
They will serve their sentences concurrently, reducing the overall time spent behind bars.
After being convicted of the crime, he will serve six years in a state penitentiary.
The former politician will serve at least two years for corruption and abuse of power.

Synonyms

Hypernyms

Pass

Meaning¹²

Put the ball into play; "It was Agassi's turn to serve".

Classification

Verbs of fighting, athletic activities.

Examples

She expertly tossed the ball in the air and prepared to serve in the final tennis match.
The crowd watched as he stepped up to the baseline, ready to serve and tie the game.
Williams was about to serve for the championship and the pressure was palpable.
Djokovic re-bounced the ball and then took his position to serve.
To win the set, Nadal would have to break the opponent's serve or hold his own.

Hypernyms

Related Words

Meaning¹³

Do duty or hold offices; serve in a specific function; "He served as head of the department for three years"; "She served in Congress for two terms".

Classification

Verbs of fighting, athletic activities.

Examples

She served as the mayor of the city for eight consecutive years, leading significant urban development projects.
He served as a captain in the military for over a decade before being honorably discharged.
The actress had previously served as a judge on several talent competitions before being selected for the role.
The veteran politician served as a senator for three decades before deciding to retire.
He served as a key advisor to the president during his first term in office, playing a crucial role in policy-making.

Hypernyms

Do Work

Hyponyms

Meaning¹⁴

Do military service; "She served in Vietnam"; "My sons never served, because they are short-sighted".

Classification

Verbs of political and social activities and events.

Examples

Both of my uncles served in World War II, but their experiences were vastly different.
After dropping out of college, he decided to serve in the army to gain some discipline.
She joined the air force at 20 and served for ten years before retiring.
My friend never served due to a medical condition that made him ineligible for duty.
He was proud to have served in the navy for two decades and often shared stories of his adventures.