serve
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serve
(sûrv)v. served, serv·ing, serves
v.tr.
1. To work for (someone) as a servant: The steward serves the king.
2.
a. To prepare and offer (food, for example): serve tea.
b. To place food before (someone); wait on: served the guests a wonderful dinner.
3.
a. To provide goods and services for (customers): a hotel that has served tourists at the same location for 30 years.
b. To supply (goods or services) to customers. See Usage Note at service.
4. To assist the celebrant during (Mass).
5.
a. To meet the requirements of; suffice for: This will serve the purpose. The tent served us well in the storm.
b. To be of assistance to or promote the interests of; aid: "Both major parties today seek to serve the national interest" (John F. Kennedy).
6.
a. To work through or complete (a period of service): served four terms in Congress.
b. To be in prison for (a period or term): served 10 years for armed robbery.
c. Sports To be removed from play for a specified period because of (a penalty).
7. To fight or undergo military service for: served the country for five years in the navy.
8. To give homage and obedience to: served God.
9. To act toward (another) in a specified way: She has served me ill.
10. To copulate with; service. Used of male animals.
11. Law
a. To deliver or present (a process of the court, such as a summons or court order) in a manner prescribed by law to a person who is legally entitled to receive it or legally required to obey it.
b. To present such a process to (someone).
12. Sports To put (a ball or shuttlecock) in play, as in tennis, badminton, or jai alai.
13. To bind or whip (a rope) with fine cord or wire.
v.intr.
1. To be employed as a servant.
2. To do a term of duty: serve in the US Air Force; serve on a jury.
3. To act in a particular capacity: serve as a clerk.
4. To be of service or use; function: Let this incident serve as a reminder to future generations.
5. To meet requirements or needs; satisfy: a device that will serve well.
6. To wait on tables: serve at luncheon.
7. Sports To hit a ball or shuttlecock as a way of starting play in court games.
8. To assist the celebrant during Mass.
n. Sports
Phrasal Verb: The act or right of serving in many court games.
serve up Baseball
Idiom: To pitch (a ball) over the middle of home plate, where it is likely to be hit hard.
serve (someone) right
To be deserved under the circumstances: Punish him; it will serve him right for what he has done to you.
[Middle English serven, from Old French servir, from Latin servīre, from servus, slave.]
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
serve
(sɜːv)vb
1. to be in the service of (a person)
2. to render or be of service to (a person, cause, etc); help
3. (in a shop) to give (customers) information about articles for sale and to hand over articles purchased
4. (tr) to provide (guests, customers, etc) with food, drink, etc: she served her guests with cocktails.
5. to distribute or provide (food, drink, etc) for guests, customers, etc: do you serve coffee?.
6. (sometimes foll by: up) to present (food, drink, etc) in a specified manner: cauliflower served with cheese sauce.
7. (tr) to provide with a regular supply of
8. (tr) to work actively for: to serve the government.
9. (tr) to pay homage to: to serve God.
10. to answer the requirements of; suit: this will serve my purpose.
11. (intr; may take an infinitive) to have a use; function: this wood will serve to build a fire.
12. to go through (a period of service, enlistment, imprisonment, etc)
13. (intr) (of weather, conditions, etc) to be favourable or suitable
14. (Zoology) (tr) Also: service (of a male animal) to copulate with (a female animal)
15. (General Sporting Terms) sport to put (the ball) into play
16. (Roman Catholic Church) (intr) RC Church to act as server at Mass or other services
17. (Law) (tr) to deliver (a legal document, esp a writ or summons) to (a person)
18. (General Engineering) to provide (a machine, etc) with an impulse or signal for control purposes or with a continuous supply of fuel, working material, etc
19. (Nautical Terms) (tr) nautical to bind (a rope, spar, etc) with wire or fine cord to protect it from chafing, etc. See also seize8
20. serve a person right informal to pay a person back, esp for wrongful or foolish treatment or behaviour
n
21. (General Sporting Terms) sport short for service117
22. (Cookery) Austral a portion or helping of food or drink
[C13: from Old French servir, from Latin servīre, from servus a slave]
ˈservable, ˈserveable adj
Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014
serve
(sɜrv)v. served, serv•ing,
n. v.i.
1. to act as a servant.
2. to wait on table, as a waiter.
3. to have a meal or refreshments available, as for patrons or guests.
4. to distribute a food or beverage, as a host or hostess.
5. to render assistance; help.
6. to go through a term of service as a soldier, senator, juror, etc.
7. to have definite use: This cup will serve as a sugar bowl.
8. to answer the purpose: That will serve to explain my actions.
9. (in tennis, badminton, handball, etc.) to put the ball or shuttlecock in play with a stroke, swing, or hit.
10. to act as a server at mass.
v.t. 11. to be in the service of; work for.
12. to be useful or of service to; help.
13. to go through (a term of service, imprisonment, etc.).
14. to render active service, homage, or obedience to (God, a sovereign, commander, etc.).
15. to perform the duties of (a position, an office, etc.).
16. to answer the requirements of: This will serve our needs for now.
17. to contribute to; promote: to serve a cause.
18. to wait upon at table.
19. to carry and distribute (food or drink) to a patron or a specific place, as a waiter or waitress.
20. to act as a host or hostess in offering (a person) food or drink.
21. to act as a host or hostess in offering or distributing (food or drink) to another.
22. to provide with a regular or continuous supply of something.
23. (in tennis, badminton, handball, etc.) to put (the ball or shuttlecock) in play.
24. to treat in a specified manner: That served him ill.
25. Law.
a. to make legal delivery of (a process or writ).
b. to present (a person) with a writ.
26. to gratify (wants, needs, etc.).
27. (of a male animal) to mate with; service.
28. Naut. to wrap (a rope) tightly with light cordage, keeping the turns as close together as possible.
n. 29. the act, manner, or right of serving, as in tennis.
Idioms: serve one right, to constitute someone's fair and just punishment, as for improper or stupid behavior.
[1125–75; Middle English < Old French servir < Latin servīre, derivative of servus slave (compare serf)]
Random House Kernerman Webster's College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.
serve
- From Latin servire, "serve," from servus, "slave."See also related terms for slave.
Farlex Trivia Dictionary. © 2012 Farlex, Inc. All rights reserved.
serve
Past participle: served
Gerund: serving
| Imperative |
|---|
| serve |
| serve |
Collins English Verb Tables © HarperCollins Publishers 2011
ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:
Switch to new thesaurus
| Noun | 1. |  serve - (sports) a stroke that puts the ball in play; "his powerful serves won the game"squash rackets, squash racquets, squash - a game played in an enclosed court by two or four players who strike the ball with long-handled rackets badminton - a game played on a court with light long-handled rackets used to volley a shuttlecock over a net lawn tennis, tennis - a game played with rackets by two or four players who hit a ball back and forth over a net that divides the court tennis shot, tennis stroke - the act of hitting a tennis ball with a tennis racket ace - a serve that the receiver is unable to reach fault - (sports) a serve that is illegal (e.g., that lands outside the prescribed area); "he served too many double faults" |
| Verb | 1. | serve - serve a purpose, role, or function; "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" service, serve - be used by; as of a utility; "The sewage plant served the neighboring communities"; "The garage served to shelter his horses" suffice, answer, do, serve - be sufficient; be adequate, either in quality or quantity; "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" prelude - serve as a prelude or opening to act as - function as or act like; "This heap of stones will act as a barrier" |
| 2. | serve - do duty or hold offices; serve in a specific function; "He served as head of the department for three years"; "She served in Congress for two terms" sit - serve in a specific professional capacity; "the priest sat for confession"; "she sat on the jury" staff - serve on the staff of; "The two men staff the reception desk" act - discharge one's duties; "She acts as the chair"; "In what capacity are you acting?" rotate - perform a job or duty on a rotating basis; "Interns have to rotate for a few months" officiate, function - perform duties attached to a particular office or place or function; "His wife officiated as his private secretary" do work, work - be employed; "Is your husband working again?"; "My wife never worked"; "Do you want to work after the age of 60?"; "She never did any work because she inherited a lot of money"; "She works as a waitress to put herself through college" serve - do military service; "She served in Vietnam"; "My sons never served, because they are short-sighted" represent - be a delegate or spokesperson for; represent somebody's interest or be a proxy or substitute for, as of politicians and office holders representing their constituents, or of a tenant representing other tenants in a housing dispute; "I represent the silent majority" | |
| 3. | serve - contribute or conduce to; "The scandal served to increase his popularity" serve well, serve - promote, benefit, or be useful or beneficial to; "Art serves commerce"; "Their interests are served"; "The lake serves recreation"; "The President's wisdom has served the country well" facilitate, help - be of use; "This will help to prevent accidents" | |
| 4. | serve - be used by; as of a utility; "The sewage plant served the neighboring communities"; "The garage served to shelter his horses" | |
| 5. | serve - help to some food; help with food or drink; "I served him three times, and after that he helped himself" | |
| 6. | serve - provide (usually but not necessarily food); "We serve meals for the homeless"; "She dished out the soup at 8 P.M."; "The entertainers served up a lively show" plank - cook and serve on a plank; "Planked vegetable"; "Planked shad" | |
| 7. | serve - devote (part of) one's life or efforts to, as of countries, institutions, or ideas; "She served the art of music"; "He served the church"; "serve the country" work - exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity; "I will work hard to improve my grades"; "she worked hard for better living conditions for the poor" | |
| 8. | serve - promote, benefit, or be useful or beneficial to; "Art serves commerce"; "Their interests are served"; "The lake serves recreation"; "The President's wisdom has served the country well" serve - contribute or conduce to; "The scandal served to increase his popularity" | |
| 9. | serve - spend time in prison or in a labor camp; "He did six years for embezzlement" admit - serve as a means of entrance; "This ticket will admit one adult to the show" | |
| 10. |  serve - work for or be a servant to; "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"valet - serve as a personal attendant to aid, assist, help - give help or assistance; be of service; "Everyone helped out during the earthquake"; "Can you help me carry this table?"; "She never helps around the house" serve - devote (part of) one's life or efforts to, as of countries, institutions, or ideas; "She served the art of music"; "He served the church"; "serve the country" | |
| 11. | serve - deliver a warrant or summons to someone; "He was processed by the sheriff" subpoena - serve or summon with a subpoena; "The witness and her records were subpoenaed" deliver - bring to a destination, make a delivery; "our local super market delivers" | |
| 12. | serve - be sufficient; be adequate, either in quality or quantity; "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" bridge over, tide over, keep going - suffice for a period between two points; "This money will keep us going for another year" go a long way - suffice or be adequate for a while or to a certain extent serve, function - serve a purpose, role, or function; "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" measure up, qualify - prove capable or fit; meet requirements go around - be sufficient; "There's not enough to go around" | |
| 13. | serve - do military service; "She served in Vietnam"; "My sons never served, because they are short-sighted" serve - do duty or hold offices; serve in a specific function; "He served as head of the department for three years"; "She served in Congress for two terms" | |
| 14. | serve - mate with; "male animals serve the females for breeding purposes" stand - be available for stud services; "male domestic animals such as stallions serve selected females" | |
| 15. | serve - put the ball into play; "It was Agassi's turn to serve" court game - an athletic game played on a court ace - serve an ace against (someone) |
Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2012 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.
serve
verb
1. work for, help, aid, assist, do something for, be of use to, be in the service of, do your bit for soldiers who have served their country well
2. perform, do, complete, go through, fulfil, pass, discharge He had served an apprenticeship as a bricklayer.
3. be adequate, do, suffice, answer, suit, content, satisfy, be good enough, be acceptable, fill the bill (informal), answer the purpose This little book should serve.
4. present, provide, supply, deliver, arrange, set out, distribute, dish up, purvey Serve it with French bread.
5. be enough for, be sufficient for, be adequate for, provide enough for Garnish with fresh herbs. Serves 4.
6. attend to, wait on, deal with, oblige, minister to, be of assistance They wouldn't serve me in the pub 'cos I looked too young.
7. deliver to, give to, present with, hand over to, cause to accept Police said they had been unable to serve a summons on him.
serve as something or someone act as, substitute for, function as, do the work of, do duty as She ushered me into the front room, which served as her office.
Quotations
"They also serve who only stand and wait" [John Milton Sonnet 16]
"They also serve who only stand and wait" [John Milton Sonnet 16]
Proverbs
"If you would be well served, serve yourself"
"If you would be well served, serve yourself"
Collins Thesaurus of the English Language – Complete and Unabridged 2nd Edition. 2002 © HarperCollins Publishers 1995, 2002
serve
verb1. To work and care for:
2. To place food before (someone):
wait on (or upon).
The American Heritage® Roget's Thesaurus. Copyright © 2013, 2014 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Translations
ضَرْبةٌ مَبْدَئِيَّةيَخْدُميَخْدِمُيَخْدُم في الجَيْشيَصْلُح لِ، يَسُد مَسَد، يَكون بِمَثابَة
sloužitpodánípodávatpracovatobsluhovat
servtjeneserveservereafsone
palvellasyöttötarjoillatarjota
podatservissloužitslužiti
adogatbüntetését töltiszervaszolgál
bera fram, framreiîaduga, nÿtastgefa uppgegna hlutverki/skylduòjóna
サーブ仕える
서브섬기다
atliktiįrankis valgiui įdėti į lėkštępaduotiservasservuoti
apgādātapkalpotdienētizciest sodukalpot
odsedieť si
servisslužitistreči
servetjänauppvaktaserveraavtjäna
การเสิร์ฟลูกเทนนิสบริการ
cú phát bóngphục vụ
serve
[sɜːv]A. VT
1. (= work for) [+ employer, God, country] → servir a
he served his country well → sirvió dignamente a la patria, prestó valiosos servicios a la patria
he served his country well → sirvió dignamente a la patria, prestó valiosos servicios a la patria
2. (= be used for, be useful as) → servir
that serves to explain → eso sirve para explicar ...
it serves its/my purpose → viene al caso
it serves you right → te lo mereces, te lo tienes merecido, te está bien empleado
it served him right for being so greedy → se lo mereció por ser tan glotón, le está bien empleado por glotón
if my memory serves me right → si la memoria no me falla
that serves to explain → eso sirve para explicar ...
it serves its/my purpose → viene al caso
it serves you right → te lo mereces, te lo tienes merecido, te está bien empleado
it served him right for being so greedy → se lo mereció por ser tan glotón, le está bien empleado por glotón
if my memory serves me right → si la memoria no me falla
3. (in shop, restaurant) [+ customer] → servir, atender; [+ food, meal] → servir
to serve sb with hors d'oeuvres → servir los entremeses a algn
are you being served, madam? → ¿le están atendiendo, señora?
dinner is served → la cena está servida
they served cod as halibut → hicieron pasar bacalao por halibut
main courses are served with vegetables or salad → el plato principal se sirve acompañado de verduras o ensalada
to serve sb with hors d'oeuvres → servir los entremeses a algn
are you being served, madam? → ¿le están atendiendo, señora?
dinner is served → la cena está servida
they served cod as halibut → hicieron pasar bacalao por halibut
main courses are served with vegetables or salad → el plato principal se sirve acompañado de verduras o ensalada
4. (= complete) → cumplir, hacer
to serve an apprenticeship → hacer el aprendizaje
to serve ten years in the army → servir diez años en el ejército
to serve a prison sentence, serve time (in prison) → cumplir una condena or una pena de cárcel
to serve an apprenticeship → hacer el aprendizaje
to serve ten years in the army → servir diez años en el ejército
to serve a prison sentence, serve time (in prison) → cumplir una condena or una pena de cárcel
6. (Travel) in towns served by this line → en las ciudades por donde pasa esta línea
these villages used to be served by buses → antes en estos pueblos había servicio de autobuses
these villages used to be served by buses → antes en estos pueblos había servicio de autobuses
B. VI
1. [servant, soldier] → servir
he is not willing to serve → no está dispuesto a ofrecer sus servicios
to serve on a committee/jury → ser miembro de una comisión/un jurado
to serve on the council → ser concejal
to serve in parliament → ser diputado
he is not willing to serve → no está dispuesto a ofrecer sus servicios
to serve on a committee/jury → ser miembro de una comisión/un jurado
to serve on the council → ser concejal
to serve in parliament → ser diputado
3. (in shop) → atender
4. (= be useful) to serve for or as → servir de
it will serve → servirá para el caso
it serves to show that → sirve para demostrar que ...
it will serve → servirá para el caso
it serves to show that → sirve para demostrar que ...
5. (Tennis) → sacar
C. N (Tennis etc) → servicio m, saque m
whose serve is it? → ¿quién saca?, ¿de quién es el servicio?
he has a strong serve → tiene un servicio or saque muy fuerte
whose serve is it? → ¿quién saca?, ¿de quién es el servicio?
he has a strong serve → tiene un servicio or saque muy fuerte
serve out VT + ADV
1. (= complete) [+ term of office, sentence] → cumplir
2. (= dish up) [+ food] → servir
serve up VT + ADV
1. [+ food, drink] → servir
Collins Spanish Dictionary - Complete and Unabridged 8th Edition 2005 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1971, 1988 © HarperCollins Publishers 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2003, 2005
serve
[ˈsɜːrv] vt
(in shop, bar, restaurant) [+ customer] → servir
She was busy serving a customer → Elle était occupée à servir un client.
are you being served? → est-ce qu'on s'occupe de vous?
She was busy serving a customer → Elle était occupée à servir un client.
are you being served? → est-ce qu'on s'occupe de vous?
(= put on table) [+ food, meal, drink] → servir (= give food to) [+ person] → servir
Dinner is served → Le dîner est servi.
to serve drinks → servir à boire
to serve sth with sth → servir qch avec qch
Serve the soup with croutons and a sprinkling of parsley → Servez ce potage avec des croûtons et une pincée de persil.
served with → servi(e) avec
Dinner is served → Le dîner est servi.
to serve drinks → servir à boire
to serve sth with sth → servir qch avec qch
Serve the soup with croutons and a sprinkling of parsley → Servez ce potage avec des croûtons et une pincée de persil.
served with → servi(e) avec
(= be useful for) [+ interests, cause, objectives] → servir
to serve sb's purpose → faire l'affaire de qn
It serves my purpose → Cela fait mon affaire.
I failed to see what purpose this could serve → Je ne voyais pas à quoi cela pouvait servir.
to serve sb as sth → servir à qn de qch
the table that served him as a desk → la table qui lui servait de bureau
to serve sb's purpose → faire l'affaire de qn
It serves my purpose → Cela fait mon affaire.
I failed to see what purpose this could serve → Je ne voyais pas à quoi cela pouvait servir.
to serve sb as sth → servir à qn de qch
the table that served him as a desk → la table qui lui servait de bureau
vi
(= do work, duty) → servir
The delegates serve for five years
BUT Le mandat des délégués est de cinq ans.
to serve as sth → servir comme qch
to serve on a committee → faire partie d'un comité
to serve on a jury → faire partie d'un jury
The delegates serve for five years
BUT Le mandat des délégués est de cinq ans.
to serve as sth → servir comme qch
to serve on a committee → faire partie d'un comité
to serve on a jury → faire partie d'un jury
(TENNIS) → servir
It's Agassi to serve → C'est à Agassi de servir.
to serve for the match → servir pour le match
It's Agassi to serve → C'est à Agassi de servir.
to serve for the match → servir pour le match
(= be useful) to serve as sth → servir de qch
The front room served as her office → La pièce de devant lui servait de bureau.
This served as a useful reminder
BUT Cela a été un utile rappel à l'ordre.
to serve to do sth → servir à faire qch
Their visit has served to underline the deep divisions between the two countries → Leur visite a servi à souligner les profondes divisions entre les deux pays.
The front room served as her office → La pièce de devant lui servait de bureau.
This served as a useful reminder
BUT Cela a été un utile rappel à l'ordre.
to serve to do sth → servir à faire qch
Their visit has served to underline the deep divisions between the two countries → Leur visite a servi à souligner les profondes divisions entre les deux pays.
Collins English/French Electronic Resource. © HarperCollins Publishers 2005
serve
vt
(= work for) → dienen (+dat); (= be of use) → dienlich sein (+dat), → nützen (+dat); he served his country/the company well → er hat sich um sein Land/die Firma verdient gemacht; he has served our cause faithfully → er hat sich um unsere Sache verdient gemacht, er hat unserer Sache treue Dienste geleistet; if my memory serves me right → wenn ich mich recht erinnere; to serve its purpose → seinen Zweck erfüllen; to serve somebody’s purpose → jds Zwecken (dat) → dienen; it serves a variety of purposes → es hat viele verschiedene Verwendungsmöglichkeiten; it serves no useful purpose → es hat keinen praktischen Wert; that will serve my needs → das ist genau (das), was ich brauche; this box has served us as a table → diese Kiste hat uns (dat) → als Tisch gedient; it has served us well → es hat uns gute Dienste geleistet; his knowledge of history served him well → seine Geschichtskenntnisse kamen ihm sehr zugute
(= work out) → abdienen, ableisten; term of office → durchlaufen; apprenticeship → durchmachen; sentence → verbüßen, absitzen (inf); when he served his term as Prime Minister → während seiner Amtszeit als Premierminister
(= supply:) transport, gas etc → versorgen
(in shop) → bedienen; to serve somebody with 5 kilos of potatoes → jdm 5 kg Kartoffeln bringen or geben; are you being served? → werden Sie schon bedient?; I’m being served, thank you → danke, ich werde schon bedient or ich bekomme schon (inf)
(esp in restaurant) food, drink → servieren; (= put on plate) → aufgeben; guests → bedienen; (waiter) → bedienen, servieren (+dat); (= pour drink for) → einschenken (+dat); wine etc → einschenken; rations → verteilen (→ to an +acc); dinner is served (butler) → das Essen or es ist aufgetragen; (host, hostess) → darf ich zu Tisch bitten?; “serves three” (on packet etc) → „(ergibt) drei Portionen“
Mass, Communion → ministrieren bei
(Jur) → zustellen (on sb jdm); to serve a summons on somebody, to serve somebody with a summons → jdn vor Gericht laden; the landlord served notice (to quit) on his tenants (esp Brit) → der Vermieter kündigte den Mietern
(old: = treat) → behandeln; to serve somebody ill → jdm einen schlechten Dienst erweisen, jdm übel mitspielen; (it) serves you right! (inf) → das geschieht dir (ganz) recht!; it serves him right for being so greedy (inf) → das geschieht ihm ganz recht, was muss er auch so gierig sein!; it would have served you right if … (inf) → es wäre dir ganz recht geschehen, wenn …
(stallion etc) → decken
vi
(= do duty) → dienen; to serve on the jury → Geschworene(r) mf → sein; to serve on a committee → einem Ausschuss angehören; to serve on the council → Ratsmitglied nt → sein; to serve as chairman → das Amt des Vorsitzenden innehaben or bekleiden (form)
(Mil) → dienen
(at table) → aufgeben; (waiter, butler etc) → servieren (at table bei Tisch); is there anyone serving at this table? → bedient hier jemand?
to serve as, to serve for → dienen als; it will serve → das tuts; it serves to show/explain … → das zeigt/erklärt …; these facts merely serve to prove my point → diese Fakten dienen lediglich dazu, mein Argument zu beweisen
(Eccl) → ministrieren
(Tennis etc) → aufschlagen
Collins German Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged 7th Edition 2005. © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1980 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1997, 1999, 2004, 2005, 2007
serve
[sɜːv]1. vt
b. (be used for or useful as) to serve (as) → servire (da)
that serves to explain ... → così si spiega...
it serves a variety of purposes → ha svariati usi
it serves my purpose → fa al caso mio, serve al mio scopo
it serves its purpose → serve allo scopo
it serves no useful purpose → non serve a niente
it serves you right (fam) → ben ti sta
his knowledge served him well → la sua preparazione gli è tornata utile
that serves to explain ... → così si spiega...
it serves a variety of purposes → ha svariati usi
it serves my purpose → fa al caso mio, serve al mio scopo
it serves its purpose → serve allo scopo
it serves no useful purpose → non serve a niente
it serves you right (fam) → ben ti sta
his knowledge served him well → la sua preparazione gli è tornata utile
c. (in shop, restaurant) → servire; (food, meal, also) (Tennis) → servire to serve sb (with) sth → servire qc a qn
are you being served? → la stanno servendo?
this dish should be served hot → è un piatto che va servito caldo
the power station serves the entire region → la centrale elettrica alimenta l'intera regione
the railway line serves five cities → la ferrovia serve cinque città
are you being served? → la stanno servendo?
this dish should be served hot → è un piatto che va servito caldo
the power station serves the entire region → la centrale elettrica alimenta l'intera regione
the railway line serves five cities → la ferrovia serve cinque città
d. (complete) to serve an apprenticeship → fare tirocinio
to serve a prison sentence → scontare una condanna
he has served time (in prison) (fam) → è stato in prigione
he has served his time (prisoner) → ha scontato la sua condanna (apprentice) → ha finito il periodo di prova
to serve a prison sentence → scontare una condanna
he has served time (in prison) (fam) → è stato in prigione
he has served his time (prisoner) → ha scontato la sua condanna (apprentice) → ha finito il periodo di prova
e. (Law) (summons, writ) to serve sth on sb → notificare qc a qn
to serve a summons on sb (Criminal law) → spiccare un mandato di comparizione contro qn
to serve a summons on sb (Criminal law) → spiccare un mandato di comparizione contro qn
2. vi
a. (servant, soldier) → prestare servizio; (shop assistant, waiter) → servire (Tennis) → servire, battere
to serve on a committee/jury → far parte di un comitato/una giuria
she served for 2 years as chairwoman → è stata in carica come presidente per 2 anni
to serve on a committee/jury → far parte di un comitato/una giuria
she served for 2 years as chairwoman → è stata in carica come presidente per 2 anni
Collins Italian Dictionary 1st Edition © HarperCollins Publishers 1995
serve
(səːv) verb1. to work for a person etc eg as a servant. He served his master for forty years.
2. to distribute food etc or supply goods. She served the soup to the guests; Which shop assistant served you (with these goods)?
3. to be suitable for a purpose. This upturned bucket will serve as a seat.
4. to perform duties, eg as a member of the armed forces. He served (his country) as a soldier for twenty years; I served on the committee for five years.
5. to undergo (a prison sentence). He served (a sentence of) six years for armed robbery.
6. in tennis and similar games, to start the play by throwing up the ball etc and hitting it. He served the ball into the net; Is it your turn to serve?
noun act of serving (a ball).
ˈserver noun1. (usually in plural) a utensil used in serving food. salad servers.
2. a person who serves (a ball).
ˈserving noun a portion of food served. I had two servings of pie.
it serves you etc right you etc deserve your misfortune etc. He has done no work so it will serve him right if he fails his exam.
serve an apprenticeship to spend a (fixed) period of time as an apprentice.
serve out to distribute to each of a number of people. She served out the pudding.
serve up to start serving (a meal).
Kernerman English Multilingual Dictionary © 2006-2013 K Dictionaries Ltd.
serve
→ ضَرْبةٌ مَبْدَئِيَّة, يَخْدِمُ podání, sloužit serv, tjene Aufschlag, dienen σερβίρισμα, υπηρετώ servicio, servir palvella, syöttö service, servir servis, služiti servire, servizio サーブ, 仕える 서브, 섬기다 dienen, serve serve, servere obsłużyć, serwis serviço, servir обслуживать, подача serve, tjäna การเสิร์ฟลูกเทนนิส, บริการ hizmet etmek, servis atmak cú phát bóng, phục vụ 发球, 服务Multilingual Translator © HarperCollins Publishers 2009
Collins Multilingual Translator © HarperCollins Publishers 2009