serve
nouns
verbs
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"
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"
verb group
do military service
"She served in Vietnam"; "My sons never served, because they are short-sighted"
contribute or conduce to
"The scandal served to increase his popularity"
verb group
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"
be used by; as of a utility
"The sewage plant served the neighboring communities"; "The garage served to shelter his horses"
help to some food; help with food or drink
"I served him three times, and after that he helped himself"
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"
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"
verb group
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"
is a type of (narrower)
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
"I will work hard to improve my grades"; "she worked hard for better living conditions for the poor"
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"
is derived from
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"
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"
do military service
"She served in Vietnam"; "My sons never served, because they are short-sighted"
verb group
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"
put the ball into play
"It was Agassi's turn to serve"
is derived from
About Us
Become an Affiliate
Technology Licensing
Contributors
Contact Us
Copyright ©1998-2025 Thinkmap, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Terms of Use
Already a Subscriber?
