serve

[sɜːv]

serve Definition

• 1. to give someone food or drink, especially as part of a meal or in a restaurant
• 2. to work for; to be employed by
• 3. to help achieve something; to be useful
• 4. to spend a period of time in prison

Using serve: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "serve" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  Can I serve you some coffee?

• Example

  He served in the army for five years.

• Example

  This tool can serve multiple purposes.

• Example

  He was sentenced to serve three years in prison.

serve Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for serve

• attend
• assist
• aid
• help
• contribute
• fulfill
• complete
• satisfy
• endure
• undergo
• experience
• incarcerate
• imprison
• wait on
• do time

Antonyms for serve

• hinder
• obstruct
• prevent
• block
• thwart
• oppose

Idioms Using serve

• serve somebody right

  used to say that someone deserves something bad that has happened to them

  Example

  He was caught cheating on the test. It serves him right that he failed.

• serve up something

  to provide or offer something, especially food or drink

  Example

  She served up a delicious meal for her guests.

• serve somebody with papers

  to officially deliver legal documents to someone

  Example

  The lawyer served the defendant with the court papers.

Phrases with serve

• serve the purpose

  to be useful for a particular task or goal

  Example

  This old computer may not be fast, but it will serve the purpose for basic tasks.

• serve one right

  to deserve what has happened to oneself, often used in a negative sense

  Example

  He lost his job because he was always late. It serves him right.

• serve notice

  to officially inform someone about something, usually related to ending a contract or agreement

  Example

  The landlord served notice to the tenants to vacate the apartment.

Origins of serve

from Old French 'servir', from Latin 'servire', meaning 'to be a slave'

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Summary: serve in Brief

The verb 'serve' [sɜːv] has several meanings. It can refer to giving food or drink, working for someone, being useful, or spending time in prison. Examples include 'Can I serve you some coffee?' and 'He was sentenced to serve three years in prison.' 'Serve' also appears in phrases like 'serve the purpose,' and idioms like 'serve somebody right,' indicating deserving punishment, and 'serve up something,' meaning to provide something, especially food or drink.