serve
UK: sɜːv | US: sɜːrv
vt. to perform duties or services for others
vt. to present food or drink to someone
vi. to be employed in a military or public capacity
n. (in tennis/volleyball) the act of starting play by hitting the ball
serve = serv<to keep, to obey> + e<verb suffix>
- serv (from Latin servire, meaning "to be a slave, to serve")
- e (a common verb-forming suffix in English, often silent)
Etymology Origin:
The word "serve" traces back to Latin servire, derived from servus ("slave"). It entered Old French as servir and later Middle English as serven. Originally tied to subjugation (e.g., slavery), its meaning broadened to include performing duties (e.g., military service) and assisting others (e.g., serving food). The silent -e reflects its Romance-language roots, typical of verbs adopted into English.
She volunteers to serve meals at the homeless shelter.
The waiter will serve dessert after the main course.
He served in the army for five years.
It’s your turn to serve the ball in this tennis match.
This tool serves multiple purposes in the workshop.