Inside the Universes

Words with a similar base: serve, serve_up, serve_well

'serve'

[serve.n.01] as in: (sports) a stroke that puts the ball in play

Examples:
his powerful serves won the game

'serve'

[serve.v.01] as in: serve a purpose, role, or function

Examples:
The tree stump serves as a table
The female students served as a control group
This table would serve very well
His freedom served him well
The table functions as a desk

'serve'

[serve.v.02] as in: do duty or hold offices; serve in a specific function

Examples:
He served as head of the department for three years
She served in Congress for two terms

'serve'

[serve.v.03] as in: contribute or conduce to

Examples:
The scandal served to increase his popularity

'serve'

[service.v.01] as in: be used by; as of a utility

Examples:
The sewage plant served the neighboring communities
The garage served to shelter his horses

'serve'

[serve.v.05] as in: help to some food; help with food or drink

Examples:
I served him three times, and after that he helped himself

'serve'

[serve.v.06] as in: provide (usually but not necessarily food)

Examples:
We serve meals for the homeless
She dished out the soup at 8 P.M.

The entertainers served up a lively show

'serve'

[serve.v.07] as in: devote (part of) one's life or efforts to, as of countries, institutions, or ideas

Examples:
She served the art of music
He served the church
serve the country

'serve'

[serve.v.08] as in: promote, benefit, or be useful or beneficial to

Examples:
Art serves commerce
Their interests are served
The lake serves recreation
The President's wisdom has served the country well

'serve'

[serve.v.09] as in: spend time in prison or in a labor camp

Examples:
He did six years for embezzlement

'serve'

[serve.v.10] as in: work for or be a servant to

Examples:
May I serve you?
She attends the old lady in the wheelchair
Can you wait on our table, please?
Is a salesperson assisting you?
The minister served the King for many years

'serve'

[serve.v.11] as in: deliver a warrant or summons to someone

Examples:
He was processed by the sheriff

'serve'

[suffice.v.01] as in: be sufficient; be adequate, either in quality or quantity

Examples:
A few words would answer
This car suits my purpose well
Will $100 do?
A 'B' grade doesn't suffice to get me into medical school
Nothing else will serve

'serve'

[serve.v.13] as in: do military service

Examples:
She served in Vietnam
My sons never served, because they are short-sighted

'serve'

[serve.v.14] as in: mate with

Examples:
male animals serve the females for breeding purposes

'serve'

[serve.v.15] as in: put the ball into play

Examples:
It was Agassi's turn to serve

Origins

					serve (English)
├── serven (Middle English (1100-1500))
│   ├── servir (Middle French (ca. 1400-1600))
│   │   └── servio (Latin)
│   │       └── servus (Latin)
│   └── servir (Old French (842-ca. 1400))
└── servir (French)
    └── servire (Latin)