server - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
server Word Meanings
- A computer that provides services to other computers over a network
- A person who serves food or drinks in a restaurant or at table
- A person who serves a master; a servant or attendant (historical or formal)
server Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
server Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈsɜː.və/
US
/ˈsɝː.vɚ/
server Word Etymology
a) Root decomposition: serve + er; the -er forms the agent noun representing a person who serves. b) Historical origin: from Latin servire (to serve), from servus (slave), via Old French servir into English as server. c) Memory image: imagine a loyal helper carrying a tray for the master, with a small badge reading serve and an -er tag indicating the doer.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Server is a versatile English word with three common senses. First, in computing, a server is a computer or program that provides services to other computers over a network. Second, in hospitality, a server is a person who serves food or drinks at a restaurant or at your table. Third, historically or formally, the word can mean a servant or attendant who serves a master. These senses share the core idea of provision or service, but they apply in very different domains. When you see 'server' in tech writing, think hardware or software that delivers resources; in a dining context, think a polite staff member assisting guests.
Usage Reminders
- - Use server for both IT and dining contexts, but never assume one sense from the other.
- - Distinguish between hardware/software (tech) and people serving food (hospitality).
- - Watch for historical usage in formal writing; it rarely means a servant today.
- - Collocations: web server, application server, server room; at a restaurant: server, waitstaff.
- - Avoid using servant when you mean staff in a modern restaurant or IT.
Common Misconceptions
- Assumes server only means a restaurant staff member.
- Thinks server and waiter are always interchangeable in all contexts.
- Believes server cannot refer to a person who runs software.
- Confuses server with slave or servant in modern usage.
- Mistakes server for a command or action, not a noun.
Thinking Differences
In English, server is a broad, context-driven term that can refer to technology or people who provide a service. Learners often assume the hospitality sense covers all uses, or that the historical meaning is common today. Clarify by looking at nearby words (network, computer, restaurant, table) to pick the right sense.
Learning Tips
- Create paired examples: one IT and one dining sentence.
- Label each sentence with its sense (IT, dining, historical).
- Read tech docs and restaurant menus aloud to feel the difference.
- Use visual cues: a computer icon for IT, a tray for dining.
- Practice tip: replace server with waiter or administrator to test sense.
- Quiz: pick the sense from context in short paragraphs.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'server'?
A.A type of dessert
B.A device that provides data or services to other devices
C.A type of server used in restaurants
D.A person who serves food
Step 2: Usage
In which of the following sentences is 'server' used correctly?
A.I ordered a chocolate server for dessert.
B.The server at the restaurant was very friendly.
C.Can you serve me that document?
D.My computer serves as a server for file storage.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which of the following words is most similar to 'server'?
A.Waiter
B.Client
C.Chef
D.Customer
Step 4: Opposite Words
Which of the following words is an opposite of 'server'?
A.Sender
B.Recipient
C.Host
D.Diner
Step 5: Mastery
How is the word 'server' commonly used in the tech industry?
A.To refer to a mainframe computer
B.To represent a type of software
C.To indicate a network protocol
D.To describe a computer that shares resources with other computers
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
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