How Do You Spell SERVE?

Pronunciation: [sˈɜːv] (IPA)

The word 'serve' is pronounced as /sɜrv/ in IPA phonetic transcription. It is spelled with an 's', representing the unvoiced alveolar fricative sound /s/, followed by the vowel 'e', which is pronounced as /ɜ/. The letter 'r' is then added, the sound of which changes slightly depending on the word that follows. In 'serve', the 'r' is pronounced as a post-alveolar approximant /ɹ/. Finally, the word ends with a silent 'e'. The spelling of 'serve' follows English phonetic rules, which often include silent letters.

SERVE Meaning and Definition

  1. Serve is a versatile verb that encompasses multiple definitions and uses. Primarily, it refers to the action of providing assistance, aid, or support to someone or something. In this context, it implies performing duties or fulfilling responsibilities. Serve is often associated with occupations or roles where one is employed to assist or attend to others, such as a server at a restaurant serving customers or a nurse serving patients in a hospital.

    Another common usage of serve is related to the act of providing food or drink to others, usually in a formal setting. This definition refers to serving meals, beverages, or refreshments at gatherings or social events, typically performed by waitstaff or hosts.

    Moreover, serve can convey the idea of being of use or benefit to someone or something. It suggests fulfilling a purpose, function, or objective. For example, a tool or equipment can serve a specific function in a task or activity.

    Serve can also relate to the performance of a duty or function within a specific capacity or organization. It may involve fulfilling an official or professional role, like serving as a judge, public official, or member of a governing body.

    Lastly, serve can denote the act of delivering a serve in sports such as tennis, volleyball, or badminton. In these cases, it refers to initiating the game or play by hitting or throwing the ball or shuttlecock to the opposing side.

  2. To work for; to perform duties, as an officer in the army or navy; to assist; to attend at command; to yield obedience to; to supply with anything; to suffice for; to stand in place of something else; to officiate or minister; to be a servant or slave; to be subordinate to anything; to treat or requite, in an ill sense; to worship God; to present a writ; to attend or wait; to suit or be convenient.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for SERVE *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for SERVE

Etymology of SERVE

The word "serve" originated from the Old French verb "servir", which can be traced back to the Latin word "servire". In Latin, "servire" means "to be a servant or slave" and is derived from the noun "servus" meaning "servant" or "slave". The term "serve" was initially used in English around the 13th century with the meaning of performing duties or working in the capacity of a servant. Over time, it broadened in meaning to encompass various contexts, including providing assistance, fulfilling a role or function, and presenting in a formal manner.

Idioms with the word SERVE

  • serve with The idiom "serve with" typically refers to the act of providing or presenting something alongside another person, object, or dish. It can also imply the act of assisting, partnering, or collaborating with someone or something.
  • serve up The idiom "serve up" means to provide or offer something, often referring to presenting a meal or dish for consumption. It can also be used figuratively to describe the act of presenting or offering something intangible, such as information or entertainment.
  • serve under The idiom "serve under" refers to working or being in a subordinate position to someone, typically within an organization or hierarchy. It implies being under the authority or command of someone while performing duties or fulfilling responsibilities.
  • serve time The definition of the idiom "serve time" is to be in prison or to fulfill a sentence for a crime committed.
  • serve sth up The idiom "serve sth up" typically means to offer or present something, especially when providing a particular experience or information. It is often used in the context of providing food or drinks, but can also be used metaphorically in various situations.
  • serve your/its turn The idiom "serve your/its turn" means to be useful or helpful for a specific purpose or occasion. It implies that something or someone serves a purpose or fulfills a need, particularly when it is required or desired.
  • serve right The idiom "serve right" typically means to deserve the consequences or punishment that one receives, often due to their own behavior or actions. It implies that the outcome is appropriate and fitting given the circumstances.
  • serve notice The idiom "serve notice" generally means to formally inform someone about the end of a contractual agreement or relationship, typically in a professional or legal context. It can involve providing written notification, usually in the form of a letter or document, to express intent to terminate or conclude an arrangement.
  • serve someone right The idiom "serve someone right" means that a person has received the consequences they deserved or their actions have resulted in a just outcome. It often implies satisfaction or vindication on the part of the speaker.
  • serve sth out The idiom "serve sth out" typically refers to distributing or providing something, usually in a systematic or organized manner. It can often be used in contexts such as serving food, drinks, or any other kind of item to a group of people.
  • serve to The idiom "serve to" means that something has the purpose or effect of accomplishing a particular outcome or result. It implies that something is done or said with the intention of achieving a specific goal or serving a particular purpose.
  • serve (one's) purpose The idiom "serve one's purpose" means to fulfill or accomplish the intended objective or goal. It implies that something or someone is useful, effective, or suitable for a specific function or task at hand.
  • Serve a purpose The idiom "Serve a purpose" means to have a useful function or fulfill a particular need or objective. It refers to something or someone being effective, helpful, or relevant in achieving a goal or addressing a specific situation.
  • serve a, his, its, etc. purpose The idiom "serve a, his, its, etc. purpose" means to fulfill a particular function or accomplish a specific goal or objective. It implies that something or someone is being used or employed for a specific reason or intention.
  • serve up sth The idiom "serve up something" typically means to provide or present something, often in a manner that is intended to be appealing or satisfying. It can refer to serving a meal or food, as well as offering information, ideas, or entertainment.
  • serve notice (on sm) The idiom "serve notice (on sm)" means to formally inform or notify someone, usually in a legal or official manner, that a specific action will be taken against them or that a particular agreement or contract will be terminated. It implies a formal and authoritative communication of an impending change or consequence.
  • serve out The idiom "serve out" means to complete or fulfill a particular period of service, such as a prison sentence, military duty, or term in a position. It often implies that the individual remained in the role or position until their obligation or commitment was fully satisfied.
  • serve (one) right The idiom "serve (one) right" means that someone deserves the negative consequences or punishment they receive due to their actions or behavior. It is often used to express a sense of satisfaction or justification when someone experiences a setback or downfall as a result of their own wrongdoing.
  • serve for The idiom "serve for" means to be adequate or suitable for a particular purpose or use. It is often used to describe an object or thing that can fulfill a specific role or function.
  • serve two masters To "serve two masters" is an idiom that means attempting to please or be loyal to two conflicting or demanding authorities, interests, or responsibilities at the same time. It implies a challenging situation where one's obligations or loyalties are divided and difficult to fulfill simultaneously.
  • break (someone's) serve The idiom "break someone's serve" is a term commonly used in sports, specifically in tennis. It refers to a situation where a player successfully wins a game while their opponent serves. Breaking someone's serve means that the player receiving the serve manages to win the game, despite the server usually having the advantage. It is considered a significant achievement in tennis as it requires skill and strategy to overcome the advantage of the server. In a broader sense, the idiom can also be used metaphorically to describe overcoming an opponent's advantage or dominance in any competitive field.
  • serve sb right The idiom "serve someone right" means that someone deserves the consequences they are facing or receiving, often due to their own actions or behaviors.
  • If you would be well served, serve yourself The idiom "If you would be well served, serve yourself" means that if you want something done properly or efficiently, it is best to take responsibility for doing it yourself rather than relying on others. It suggests that you have to be proactive and self-reliant in order to achieve the best outcomes.
  • You cannot serve God and mammon The idiom "You cannot serve God and mammon" originates from a biblical reference, specifically Matthew 6:24, and it means that one cannot be totally devoted to both material possessions (often associated with wealth or money, represented by "mammon") and spiritual beliefs (represented by "God"). It suggests that a person must choose between these two opposing forces, implying that it is impossible to pursue both with equal dedication or priority. The idiom is often used to highlight the contrast or conflict between worldly desires and spiritual values.
  • serve on The definition of the idiom "serve on" is to be a member of a committee, board, jury, or any other organized group, typically for a specific period of time, in order to contribute, participate, or fulfill a designated role or responsibility.
  • serve as The idiom "serve as" means to function or act in the capacity of something, typically referring to an object, person, or situation that fulfills a certain role or purpose.
  • They also serve who only stand and wait. The idiom "They also serve who only stand and wait" means that one can contribute or fulfill a significant role even by simply being present and patiently waiting, without actively taking part or performing a visible action. It emphasizes the importance of patience, support, and moral strength in situations where there may not be an immediate opportunity for direct involvement or action.
  • No man can serve two masters The idiom "No man can serve two masters" means that it is impossible for someone to divide their loyalty or commitment equally between two conflicting or competing demands or interests. It suggests that one cannot fully devote themselves or please two people, organizations, or ideologies simultaneously.
  • Serve a (useful) purpose The idiom "Serve a (useful) purpose" means to have a practical or helpful function, or to be of value in achieving a specific goal or aim. It implies that something or someone fulfills a necessary role or provides a beneficial outcome.
  • serve in The idiom "serve in" typically refers to the act of working or performing duties in a particular role or position, often within a specific organization, institution, or capacity. It implies undertaking responsibilities and fulfilling tasks within a designated role or serving a particular purpose.
  • serve as the driving force The idiom "serve as the driving force" refers to being the primary or main factor that motivates, influences, or pushes forward a situation, event, or outcome. It indicates that something or someone is responsible for propelling or energizing a particular process or progress.
  • Serve as a guinea pig The idiom "Serve as a guinea pig" refers to being used or experimented on without prior knowledge or consent in order to gather information, test a theory, or evaluate the outcome or impact of something. It implies being the first person or group to undergo a new experience or participate in a trial or research study.
  • serve around
  • do/serve time To "do/serve time" means to spend a period of time in prison or jail as a punishment for a crime.

Similar spelling words for SERVE

Plural form of SERVE is SERVES

Conjugate verb Serve

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have served
you would have served
he/she/it would have served
we would have served
they would have served
I would have serve
you would have serve
he/she/it would have serve
we would have serve
they would have serve

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been serving
you would have been serving
he/she/it would have been serving
we would have been serving
they would have been serving

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would serve
you would serve
he/she/it would serve
we would serve
they would serve

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be serving
you would be serving
he/she/it would be serving
we would be serving
they would be serving

FUTURE

I will serve
you will serve
he/she/it will serve
we will serve
they will serve

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be serving
you will be serving
he/she/it will be serving
we will be serving
they will be serving

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have served
you will have served
he/she/it will have served
we will have served
they will have served

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been serving
you will have been serving
he/she/it will have been serving
we will have been serving
they will have been serving

IMPERATIVE

you serve
we let´s serve

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to serve

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was serving
you were serving
he/she/it was serving
we were serving
they were serving

PAST PARTICIPLE

served

PAST PERFECT

I had served
you had served
he/she/it had served
we had served
they had served

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been serving
you had been serving
he/she/it had been serving
we had been serving
they had been serving

PRESENT

I serve
you serve
he/she/it serves
we serve
they serve

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am serving
you are serving
he/she/it is serving
we are serving
they are serving

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

serving

PRESENT PERFECT

I have served
you have served
he/she/it has served
we have served
they have served

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been serving
you have been serving
he/she/it has been serving
we have been serving
they have been serving

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it serve

SIMPLE PAST

I served
you served
he/she/it served
we served
they served

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