Serve Meaning
Serve Definition & Usage
To provide assistance, duty, or service to someone or something, typically in a professional or supportive role.
Examples
- "She serves as a nurse in the local hospital."
- "He served his country for over twenty years in the military."
- "I served dinner to my guests last night."
- "The company serves a wide range of clients, from small startups to large corporations."
- "They are eager to serve the community through volunteer work."
To function or act in a capacity that benefits or meets the needs of others.
Examples
- "The new policy will serve the interests of the environment."
- "The machine serves no practical purpose anymore."
- "The book serves as a comprehensive guide for students."
- "Her actions served as an inspiration to many."
- "The medication serves to reduce the symptoms of the illness."
In games such as tennis or volleyball, to hit the ball to begin a play.
Examples
- "She served an ace to win the match."
- "The player served with great precision, making it difficult for the opponent to return."
- "He served the ball over the net with incredible speed."
- "The tennis match began with a strong serve from the champion."
- "It's important to practice your serve if you want to improve in volleyball."
To be employed or to work in a role that involves serving someone else, often in a domestic or low-status job.
Examples
- "He served as a butler in a grand estate."
- "She served the family for many years before retiring."
- "In medieval times, peasants were expected to serve their lords."
- "The man served at the restaurant, taking orders and bringing food."
- "The workers were hired to serve the needs of the corporation."
Cultural Context
The word 'serve' has evolved significantly over time, from a purely functional sense of doing work for someone, to more abstract meanings involving usefulness or providing a service. It has historical roots in a variety of contexts, including feudal societies, military service, and modern service industries.
The Ball Served
Story
The Ball Served
In the small town of Willow Creek, there was a local tennis match every summer that everyone looked forward to. Sarah, a newcomer to the town, had joined the tournament this year. Although she wasn’t the most skilled player, she had a fierce determination to win, driven by the memories of her grandmother who had once been a tennis champion in her prime. The match began, and Sarah stepped up to serve the ball. Her hand trembled slightly, but she took a deep breath and tossed the ball into the air. Her serve was solid, but not perfect. Her opponent, a seasoned player named Jack, easily returned the ball. They rallied back and forth, Sarah trying her best to keep up with the fast-paced game. But as the game wore on, Sarah began to feel that serving wasn’t just about the ball. It was about serving the spirit of competition, about playing for something bigger than herself. She thought about her grandmother, who had served her community for decades as a volunteer. Her grandmother’s commitment to others had always inspired her, and now, on the court, Sarah was serving not just for a win, but for the memory of that service. In the final set, Sarah made an incredible serve that won her the match. The crowd cheered, and Jack congratulated her with a smile. He said, 'Your serve was fantastic today!' Sarah smiled back and replied, 'Thanks, but I think I was just serving the game.' As the match ended, Sarah realized that serving was more than just an action—it was about how you approached life, how you treated others, and how you gave of yourself. She had come to Willow Creek to find herself, but she had learned something more important: how to serve with heart.
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