Reading Theme:
Serve: Meanings, Examples, and Usage Guide (3 meaning)
Meaning 1：start play by hitting (serve)
serve
/sɜːrv/
v.
In sports like tennis or volleyball, to hit or throw the ball to start play.
start play by hitting
➕
/stɑːrt pleɪ baɪ ˈhɪtɪŋ/
v.
In racket sports, to put the ball into play with a hit or throw.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'servire' (to serve), from 'servus' (slave).
💡 Mnemonic
Imagine a waiter serving food, or a tennis star serving the ball. Both provide something.
📖 Example
It's your turn to serve the ball in our ping-pong match.
In our ping-pong game, it's your turn to put the ball into play by serving.
🔗 Collocations
serve the ball – to hit the ball to start play
serve a fault – to serve incorrectly, losing a point
serve an ace – to serve so well the opponent cannot return
🔄 Synonyms
deliver (v.) – to throw or hit a ball to start play (especially in cricket or baseball)
pitch (v.) – to throw a ball to a batter in baseball
start the point (phrase) – to initiate a rally in racket sports
🚫 Antonyms
return (v.) – to hit back a serve
🌱 Derivatives
server (n.) – person who serves
📖 Cultural Story
From Latin 'servus' (slave), it evolved to feudal service in medieval times. Now common in sports (serve a ball) and hospitality (serve food).
Meaning 2：provide food or drinks (serve)
serve
/sɜːrv/
v.
To give food or drinks to someone in a restaurant or shop, or to provide a useful function.
provide food or drinks
➕
/prəˈvaɪd fuːd ɔːr drɪŋks/
v.
To give food or beverages to someone, typically in a restaurant or at a table.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The waiter will serve our drinks in just a moment.
The waiter will bring us our drinks shortly.
🔗 Collocations
serve a meal – to present food for eating
serve wine – to pour and offer wine to guests
serve at a table – to attend to customers in a restaurant
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
receive (v.) – to be given food or drinks
Meaning 3：function as something (serve)
serve
/sɜːrv/
v.
To be used for a particular purpose, or to be useful in achieving something.
function as something
➕
/ˈfʌŋkʃən æz ˈsʌmθɪŋ/
v.
To be suitable or used for a particular purpose.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
This old smartphone can serve as a dedicated music player and alarm clock.
This outdated smartphone can be used as a dedicated music player and alarm clock.
🔗 Collocations
serve as – to fulfill the role of
serve a purpose – to be useful for a goal
serve the needs – to meet the requirements
🔄 Synonyms
function as (phrasal verb) – to operate or work as something
act as (phrasal verb) – to perform the role of
work as (phrasal verb) – to be used in the capacity of
🚫 Antonyms
fail (v.) – to not serve its purpose
🌱 Derivatives
service (n.) – a useful function or purpose
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