Cool MateServe
UK /["/sɜːv/","/sɜːvz/","/sɜːvd/","/ˈsɜːvɪŋ/"]/US /["/sɜːrv/","/sɜːrvz/","/sɜːrvd/","/ˈsɜːrvɪŋ/"]/
Definition
to give somebody food or drink, for example at a restaurant or during a meal
In simple words: To give food or drink to someone.
Examples
- The waiter will serve your food shortly.
- She wants to serve her country by joining the army.
- He can serve as a mentor to the new employees.
- The tennis player can serve the ball very quickly.
- They serve a variety of dishes at the new restaurant.
Usage notes
Use 'serve' when talking about providing food or drink in restaurants or at home. It's appropriate in formal and informal contexts, but may not be suitable in very casual conversations.
Grammar pattern
serve + object
Memory hint
Think of a waiter serving dinner — they bring the food to the table.
Collocations
- immediately
- be ready to
- to
- with
- dinner is served
- serve something chilled
- serve something cold
- merely
- only
- simply
- as
- faithfully
- loyally
- well
- continue to
- as
- in
- on
- if memory serves you
- if memory serves (you) correctly
- if memory serves you right
- merely
- only
- simply
- as
- immediately
- be ready to
- to
- with
- dinner is served
- serve something chilled
- serve something cold
Synonyms
- provide
- offer
- present
- distribute
- deliver
Antonyms
- withhold
- refuse
Common mistakes
- Using 'serve' without an object, e.g., saying 'I serve' without specifying what.
- Confusing 'serve' with 'serving' as a noun and forgetting the verb form.
- Using 'serve' in intransitive sentences, e.g., 'The food serves well' instead of 'The food is served well.'