servant
UK: ˈsɜːvənt | US: ˈsɜːrvənt
n. a person who performs duties for others, especially in a domestic or subordinate role
n. (historical) a person bound to serve a lord or master, often under feudal terms
n. (figurative) someone devoted to a cause or purpose
servant = serv<serve> + ant<noun suffix (agent)>
- serv (from Latin servire, meaning "to serve")
- ant (a suffix forming agent nouns, indicating "one who does something")
Etymology Origin:
The word "servant" traces back to Old French servant (present participle of servir, "to serve"), derived from Latin servire. The Latin root serv- originally referred to slavery or bondage, reflecting the historical context of servitude. Over time, the term softened to describe voluntary service roles. The suffix -ant (from Latin -ans/-antem) marks the doer of an action, creating a noun meaning "one who serves."
The loyal servant managed the household with efficiency.
In medieval times, a servant’s life was often tied to their lord’s estate.
She considered herself a servant of justice, fighting for the oppressed.
The robot acted as a digital servant, completing tasks autonomously.
His humility made him a servant to all, regardless of status.