serves - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
serves Word Meanings
- to perform duties or services for someone
- to provide food or drink
- to be of use or help
serves Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
serves Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/sɜːv/
US
/sɜrv/
serves Word Etymology
The word 'serve' comes from the Latin 'servire' (to serve), from 'servus' (slave). Imagine a servant dutifully attending to guests, representing the essence of service through meals shared and tasks completed.
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 InputEnglish Brain Route
First I lift a tray and move it along the station, eyes on the order and the space between people. I set a cup down, adjust the napkin, and let the steam rise as the drink finds its owner. I sense the push and pull of small choices—who needs a refill, who needs a word of thanks. Keeping the rhythm, I turn from plate to plate, and the act of serving becomes a quiet way to help.
Real Context
Serve primarily means to perform duties or services for someone, or to provide food or drink, or to be of use or help. It covers actions from waiting tables to serving on a committee, from serving a meal to serving a door as a sentinel. Collocations include serve someone, serve up, serve well, and be of service. Note the nuance: you can serve a person by helping them with a task, or a meal serves many guests. The sense to be useful emphasizes reliability and purpose rather than mere presence. In phrases like serve as, it can mean to act in a particular role.
Usage Reminders
- Remember: (1) use serve someone or serve on a committee; (2) know common collocations like serve a meal and serve up; (3) distinguish be of use from be useful to someone; (4) watch for as in serve as a leader; (5) avoid mixing with help or assist; (6) note passive forms is served and was served
Common Misconceptions
- Serve only refers to food service
- Serve is always the same as help or assist
- You cannot say serve someone directly
- Serve cannot take a person as the object
- Serve always implies being a waiter
Thinking Differences
For English speakers, serve is a versatile verb with both service oriented and functional meanings. Learners often mix up be of use with be useful to someone, or confuse the noun sense of service with the verb action. Pay attention to collocations and to phrases like serve as a leader or serve on a committee, which signal a role rather than a simple act of helping.
Learning Tips
- Learn the core phrases: serve someone, serve on a committee, serve a meal.
- Practice be of use vs be useful to someone in context.
- Study phrases with as for role meaning like serve as president.
- Distinguish act of serving food from serving services.
- Use passive is served in menus and announcements.
- Create flashcards for common collocations.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does the word 'serves' mean?
A.To clean a room
B.To play a musical instrument
C.To provide food or assistance
D.To walk quickly
Step 2: Usage
Choose the correct sentence that uses 'serves'.
A.The teacher serves questions during the exam.
B.He serves as the fastest runner in the team.
C.She serves dinner to her friends every weekend.
D.The baker serves fresh bread every morning.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'serves'?
A.repels
B.presents
C.confuses
D.ignores
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'serves'?
A.disregards
B.offers
C.supports
D.provides
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where the word 'serves' is applicable?
A.A car that drives people to work.
B.A restaurant that provides meals for customers.
C.A book that is placed on a shelf.
D.A gardener who plants flowers.
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
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