serve

Word Origin & History

late 12c., "to render habitual obedience to," also "minister, give aid, give help," from Old French servir "to do duty toward, show devotion to; set table, serve at table; offer, provide with," from Latin servire "be a servant, be in service, be enslaved;" figuratively "be devoted; be governed by; comply with; conform; flatter," originally "be a slave," related to servus "slave," perhaps from Etruscan (cf. Etruscan proper names Servi, Serve, Latinized as Servius).

By c.1200 also as "to be in the service of, perform a service for; attend upon, be personal servant to; be a slave; owe allegiance to; officiate at Mass or other religious rites;" from early 13c. as "set food at table;" mid-14c. as "to wait on (customers)." From late 14c. as "treat (someone or something) in some fashion." To serve (someone) right "to treat as he deserves" is recorded from 1580s.

Sense of "be useful, be beneficial, be suitable for a purpose or function" is from early 14c.; that of "take the place or meet the needs of, be equal to the task" is from late 14c.; that of "suffice" is from mid-15c. Meaning "render active military service" is from 1510s. Sporting sense, in tennis, badminton, etc., first recorded 1580s. Legal sense "present" (a writ, warrant,etc.), "give legal notice of" is from early 15c.

Example Sentences forserve

All pursuits that serve to connect the soul with the world whence it came are rejected.

He tried to recall some forgotten detail of the business that might serve to occupy him.

I would have parted with my life willingly, gladly, to serve you.

To serve your friend would have been, I deemed, a labour of love.

There is but one just use of power, and it is to serve people.

To make the balance even you have twenty years still to serve.'

It decrees that we, the people, elect leaders not to rule but to serve.

Season with the salt and pepper, heat thoroughly, and serve.

Who is there, save a false traitor, who would refuse to serve the English king?

Remove from the stove, allow them to cool, and serve with cream.

serve

answering

answers

appease

appeased

appeases

appeasing

assist

assisted

serve

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