Serve vs. Service — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on November 1, 2023
Serve involves performing duties or services, while service refers to the act of helping or working for someone.
Difference Between Serve and Service
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Serve" is a verb, indicating the action of performing a duty or providing assistance. In contrast, "service" is primarily a noun, referring to the act of helping or doing work for someone. For instance, to serve a meal is to provide food, while service in a restaurant encompasses the entire experience of dining assistance.
Serve often implies a more direct, active role. For example, one might serve in a military capacity, directly engaging in duties. On the other hand, service can denote a broader, sometimes more passive, concept, such as the service provided by a communication network, which operates continuously without direct, active engagement from a person.
In the context of a professional or business environment, to serve typically means to attend to or meet the needs of clients or customers. Meanwhile, service in this context can refer to the overall offering or provision made available to consumers, such as customer service, encompassing all interactions and support provided to customers.
Serve can also have a legal connotation, such as serving a subpoena, which means to deliver legal documents formally. In contrast, service in a legal context might refer to a range of professional duties, like legal services, which include advice, representation, and other legal assistance.
In sports, serve specifically refers to the action of starting play, as in tennis or volleyball. Here, service does not have a direct sports-related meaning but could refer to the broader services provided at a sports facility, such as equipment rental or training services.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Verb
Noun and Verb
Context
Performing a role or duty
Providing assistance or fulfilling needs
Formality
Less formal, more action-oriented
More formal, can refer to organized systems
Usage in Sports
Specific action (e.g., starting play in tennis)
Not directly used in this context
Relation to Food/Drinks
Directly implies providing food or drinks
Indirectly used, usually in the context of restaurants
Compare with Definitions
Serve
Present food or drinks
She served the guests a delicious meal.
Service
A system supplying a public need
The city's bus service is reliable.
Serve
Legally deliver (a document)
The lawyer served the subpoena.
Service
A religious ceremony
They attended Sunday service together.
Serve
In sports, to start play
She will serve the ball in the tennis match.
Service
Maintenance or repair work
The car is due for a service.
Serve
Perform duties or services for (another person or an organization)
Malcolm has served the church very faithfully
Service
The action of helping or doing work for someone
Millions are involved in voluntary service
Serve
Present (food or drink) to someone
They serve wine instead of beer
Serve white wines chilled
Service
A system supplying a public need such as transport, communications, or utilities such as electricity and water
A regular bus service
Serve
Deliver (a document such as a summons or writ) in a formal manner to the person to whom it is addressed
The court then issues the summons and serves it on your debtor
Service
A ceremony of religious worship according to a prescribed form
A funeral service
Serve
Be of use in achieving or satisfying
The union came into existence to serve the interests of musicians
This book will serve a useful purpose
Service
A periodic routine inspection and maintenance of a vehicle or other machine
He took his car in for a service
Serve
(in tennis and other racket sports) hit the ball or shuttlecock to begin play for each point of a game
He tossed the ball up to serve
Serve the ball on to the front wall
Service
A set of matching crockery used for serving a particular meal
A dinner service
Serve
Bind (a rope) with thin cord to protect or strengthen it.
Service
(in tennis and other racket sports) the action or right of serving to begin play.
Serve
Operate (a gun)
Before long Lodge was the only man in his section able to serve the guns
Service
The formal delivery of a document such as a writ or summons.
Serve
(in tennis and other racket sports) an act of hitting the ball or shuttlecock to start play
He was let down by an erratic serve
Service
Perform routine maintenance or repair work on (a vehicle or machine)
Ensure that gas appliances are serviced regularly
Serve
A reprimand
He would be willing to give the country a serve in an English newspaper
Service
(of a male animal) mate with (a female animal)
One dog could presumably service several bitches in a day
Serve
To work for (someone) as a servant
The steward serves the king.
Service
Work that is done for others as an occupation or business
Has done service for us as a consultant.
Serve
To prepare and offer (food, for example)
Serve tea.
Service
The performance of work or duties for a superior or as a servant
Found the butler's service to be excellent.
Serve
To place food before (someone); wait on
Served the guests a wonderful dinner.
Service
An act or a variety of work done for others, especially for pay
Offers a superior service to that of his competitors.
Provides full catering services.
Serve
To provide goods and services for (customers)
A hotel that has served tourists at the same location for 30 years.
Service
Assistance; help
Was of great service to him during his illness.
Serve
To supply (goods or services) to customers. See Usage Note at service.
Service
An act of assistance or benefit; a favor
My friend did me a service in fixing the door.
Serve
To assist the celebrant during (Mass).
Service
The serving of food or the manner in which it is served
The service was good, but the food was lousy.
Serve
To meet the requirements of; suffice for
This will serve the purpose. The tent served us well in the storm.
Service
A set of dishes or utensils
A silver tea service.
Serve
To be of assistance to or promote the interests of; aid
"Both major parties today seek to serve the national interest" (John F. Kennedy).
Service
Employment in duties or work for another, as for a government
Has been in the company's service for 15 years.
Serve
To work through or complete (a period of service)
Served four terms in Congress.
Service
A government branch or department and its employees
The diplomatic service.
Serve
To be in prison for (a period or term)
Served 10 years for armed robbery.
Service
A department or branch of a hospital staff that provides specified patient care
The anesthesiology service.
Serve
(Sports) To be removed from play for a specified period because of (a penalty).
Service
The armed forces of a nation
Joined the service right after college.
Serve
To fight or undergo military service for
Served the country for five years in the navy.
Service
A branch of the armed forces of a nation.
Serve
To give homage and obedience to
Served God.
Service
The installation, maintenance, or repairs provided or guaranteed by a dealer or manufacturer
A dealer with full parts and service.
Serve
To act toward (another) in a specified way
She has served me ill.
Service
The provision to the public of something, especially a utility
A town without sewer service.
Serve
To copulate with; service. Used of male animals.
Service
The system or equipment used to provide something to the public
The electrical service was damaged in the storm.
Serve
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.
Service
The right of serving in many court games.
Serve
To present such a process to (someone).
Service
A serve
Her first service hit the net.
Serve
(Sports) To put (a ball or shuttlecock) in play, as in tennis, badminton, or jai alai.
Service
A religious rite or formal ceremony
Held services in the evening.
A memorial service.
Serve
To bind or whip (a rope) with fine cord or wire.
Service
Copulation with a female animal. Used of male animals, especially studs.
Serve
To be employed as a servant.
Service
(Law) The serving of a legal process, such as a summons or court order.
Serve
To do a term of duty
Serve in the US Air Force.
Serve on a jury.
Service
The material, such as cord, used in binding or wrapping rope.
Serve
To act in a particular capacity
Serve as a clerk.
Service
An answering service.
Serve
To be of service or use; function
Let this incident serve as a reminder to future generations.
Service
To make fit for use; adjust, repair, or maintain
Service a car.
Serve
To meet requirements or needs; satisfy
A device that will serve well.
Service
To provide services to
That cable company services most households in the area.
Serve
To wait on tables
Serve at luncheon.
Service
To make interest payments on (a debt).
Serve
(Sports) To hit a ball or shuttlecock as a way of starting play in court games.
Service
To copulate with (a female animal). Used of a male animal, especially studs.
Serve
To assist the celebrant during Mass.
Service
(Slang) To have sex with.
Serve
The act or right of serving in many court games.
Service
Of or relating to the armed forces of a country.
Serve
(sports) An act of putting the ball or shuttlecock in play in various games.
Whose serve is it?
Service
Intended for use in supplying or serving
A service elevator.
The service entrance.
Serve
A portion of food or drink, a serving.
Service
Offering repairs or maintenance
A service guarantee.
A road service area.
Serve
An impressive presentation (especially of a person's appearance).
That white eyeliner is such a serve.
Service
Offering services to the public in response to need or demand
A service industry.
Serve
(personal) To provide a service (or, by extension, a product, especially food or drink).
Service
An act of being of assistance to someone.
I say I did him a service by ending our relationship
– now he can freely pursue his career.
Serve
(transitive) To be a formal servant for (a god or deity); to worship in an official capacity.
Service
(economics) The practice of providing such a service as economic activity.
Hair care is a service industry.
Serve
(transitive) To be a servant for; to work for, to be employed by.
Service
A department in a company, an organization, a government department, etc.
Serve
(transitive) To wait upon (someone) at table; to set food and drink in front of, to help (someone) to food, meals etc.
Service
(computing) A function that is provided by one program or machine for another.
This machine provides the name service for the LAN.
Serve
(intransitive) To be a servant or worker; to perform the duties of a servant or employee; to render service.
Service
The state of being subordinate to or employed by an individual or group
Lancelot was at the service of King Arthur.
Serve
(transitive) To set down (food or drink) on the table to be eaten; to bring (food, drink) to a person.
Service
The military.
I did three years in the service before coming here.
Serve
To treat (someone) in a given manner.
Service
A set of dishes or utensils.
She brought out the silver tea service.
Serve
To be suitor to; to be the lover of.
Service
(sports) The act of initially starting, or serving, the ball in play in tennis, volleyball, and other games.
The player had four service faults in the set.
Serve
To be effective.
Service
A religious rite or ritual.
The funeral service was touching.
Serve
(transitive) To be useful to; to meet the needs of.
Service
(legal) The serving, or delivery, of a summons or writ.
The service happened yesterday.
Serve
(intransitive) To have a given use or purpose; to function for something or to do something.
Service
A taxi shared among unrelated passengers, each of whom pays part of the fare; often, it has a fixed route between cities.
Serve
(intransitive) To usefully take the place as, instead of something else.
Service
A musical composition for use in churches.
Serve
To deliver a document.
Service
(obsolete) Profession of respect; acknowledgment of duty owed.
Serve
To officially deliver (a legal notice, summons etc.).
Service
(nautical) The materials used for serving a rope, etc., such as spun yarn and small lines.
Serve
To make legal service upon (a person named in a writ, summons, etc.)
To serve a witness with a subpoena
Service
Access to resources such as hotel rooms and web-based videos without transfer of the resources' ownership.
Serve
To lead off with the first delivery over the net in tennis, volleyball, ping pong, badminton etc.
Service
Service tree.
Serve
(transitive) To copulate with (of male animals); to cover.
Service
The sorb; the fruit of this tree.
Serve
(intransitive) To be in military service.
Service
(transitive) To serve.
They service the customer base.
Serve
To work, to operate (a weapon).
Service
(transitive) To perform maintenance.
He is going to service the car.
Serve
(transitive) To work through (a given period of time in prison, a sentence).
Service
To supply (media outlets) with press releases etc.
Serve
(nautical) To wind spun yarn etc. tightly around (a rope or cable, etc.) so as to protect it from chafing or from the weather.
Service
To inseminate through sexual intercourse.
Serve
(transitive) To perform (a public obligation).
I've received a summons for jury duty. It says I serve one day or one trial.
She served the office of mayor five years ago.
Service
To perform a sexual act upon.
He serviced her several times a week.
Serve
To provide crack cocaine (to), usually by selling, dealing, or distributing.
Service
To attack.
To service a target; target servicing
Serve
To present an attractive personal appearance.
Service
A name given to several trees and shrubs of the genus Pyrus, as Pyrus domestica and P. torminalis of Europe, the various species of mountain ash or rowan tree, and the American shad bush (see Shad bush, under Shad). They have clusters of small, edible, applelike berries.
Serve
(intransitive) To present an attractive personal appearance.
Service
The act of serving; the occupation of a servant; the performance of labor for the benefit of another, or at another's command; attendance of an inferior, hired helper, slave, etc., on a superior, employer, master, or the like; also, spiritual obedience and love.
Madam, I entreat true peace of you, Which I will purchase with my duteous service.
God requires no man's service upon hard and unreasonable terms.
Serve
(transitive) To attractively display something (especially a body part) as part of one's personal appearance.
Service
The deed of one who serves; labor performed for another; duty done or required; office.
I have served him from the hour of my nativity, . . . and have nothing at his hands for my service but blows.
This poem was the last piece of service I did for my master, King Charles.
To go on the forlorn hope is a service of peril; who will understake it if it be not also a service of honor?
Serve
(transitive) To evoke something (especially a person) with one's personal appearance.
Service
Office of devotion; official religious duty performed; religious rites appropriate to any event or ceremonial; as, a burial service.
The outward service of ancient religion, the rites, ceremonies, and ceremonial vestments of the old law.
Serve
To work for; to labor in behalf of; to exert one's self continuously or statedly for the benefit of; to do service for; to be in the employment of, as an inferior, domestic, serf, slave, hired assistant, official helper, etc.; specifically, in a religious sense, to obey and worship.
God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit.
Jacob loved Rachel; and said, I will serve thee seven years for Rachel thy younger daughter.
No man can serve two masters.
Had I but served my God with half the zealI served my king, he would not in mine ageHave left me naked to mine enemies.
Service
Hence, a musical composition for use in churches.
Serve
To be subordinate to; to act a secondary part under; to appear as the inferior of; to minister to.
Bodies bright and greater should not serveThe less not bright.
Service
Duty performed in, or appropriate to, any office or charge; official function; hence, specifically, military or naval duty; performance of the duties of a soldier.
When he cometh to experience of service abroad . . . ne maketh a worthy soldier.
Serve
To be suitor to; to profess love to.
To serve a lady in his beste wise.
Service
Useful office; advantage conferred; that which promotes interest or happiness; benefit; avail.
The stork's plea, when taken in a net, was the service she did in picking up venomous creatures.
Serve
To wait upon; to supply the wants of; to attend; specifically, to wait upon at table; to attend at meals; to supply with food; as, to serve customers in a shop.
Others, pampered in their shameless pride,Are served in plate and in their chariots ride.
Service
Profession of respect; acknowledgment of duty owed.
Serve
Hence, to bring forward, arrange, deal, or distribute, as a portion of anything, especially of food prepared for eating; - often with up; formerly with in.
Bid them cover the table, serve in the meat, and we will come in to dinner.
Some part he roasts, then serves it up so dressed.
Service
The act and manner of bringing food to the persons who eat it; order of dishes at table; also, a set or number of vessels ordinarily used at table; as, the service was tardy and awkward; a service of plate or glass.
There was no extraordinary service seen on the board.
Serve
To perform the duties belonging to, or required in or for; hence, to be of use to; as, a curate may serve two churches; to serve one's country.
Service
The act of bringing to notice, either actually or constructively, in such manner as is prescribed by law; as, the service of a subpŒna or an attachment.
Serve
To contribute or conduce to; to promote; to be sufficient for; to satisfy; as, to serve one's turn.
Turn it into some advantage, by observing where it can serve another end.
Service
The materials used for serving a rope, etc., as spun yarn, small lines, etc.
Serve
To answer or be (in the place of something) to; as, a sofa serves one for a seat and a couch.
Service
The act of serving the ball.
Serve
To treat; to behave one's self to; to requite; to act toward; as, he served me very ill.
Service
Work done by one person or group that benefits another;
Budget separately for goods and services
Serve
To work; to operate; as, to serve the guns.
Service
A company or agency that performs a public service; subject to government regulation
Serve
To bring to notice, deliver, or execute, either actually or constructively, in such manner as the law requires; as, to serve a summons.
Service
The act of public worship following prescribed rules;
The Sunday service
Serve
To pass or spend, as time, esp. time of punishment; as, to serve a term in prison.
Service
An act of help or assistance;
He did them a service
Serve
To copulate with; to cover; as, a horse serves a mare; - said of the male.
Service
Employment in or work for another;
He retired after 30 years of service
Serve
To lead off in delivering (the ball).
Service
A force that is a branch of the armed forces
Serve
To wind spun yarn, or the like, tightly around (a rope or cable, etc.) so as to protect it from chafing or from the weather. See under Serving.
I will serve myself of this concession.
They think herein we serve the time, because thereby we either hold or seek preferment.
Service
The performance of duties by a waiter or servant;
That restaurant has excellent service
Serve
To be a servant or a slave; to be employed in labor or other business for another; to be in subjection or bondage; to render menial service.
The Lord shall give thee rest . . . from the hard bondage wherein thou wast made to serve.
Service
Periodic maintenance on a car or machine;
It was time for an overhaul on the tractor
Serve
To perform domestic offices; to be occupied with household affairs; to prepare and dish up food, etc.
But Martha . . . said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone?
Service
Tableware consisting of a complete set of articles (silver or dishware) for use at table
Serve
To be in service; to do duty; to discharge the requirements of an office or employment. Specifically, to act in the public service, as a soldier, seaman. etc.
Many . . . who had before been great commanders, but now served as private gentlemen without pay.
Service
(sports) a stroke that puts the ball in play;
His powerful serves won the game
Serve
To be of use; to answer a purpose; to suffice; to suit; to be convenient or favorable.
This little brand will serve to light your fire.
As occasion serves, this noble queenAnd prince shall follow with a fresh supply.
Service
The act of delivering a writ or summons upon someone;
He accepted service of the subpoena
Serve
To lead off in delivering the ball.
Service
Canadian writer (born in England) who wrote about life in the Yukon Territory (1874-1958)
Serve
(sports) a stroke that puts the ball in play;
His powerful serves won the game
Service
A means of serving;
Of no avail
There's no help for it
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
The act of mating by male animals;
The bull was worth good money in servicing fees
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
Service
(law) the acts performed by an English feudal tenant for the benefit of his lord which formed the consideration for the property granted to him
Serve
Contribute or conduce to;
The scandal served to increase his popularity
Service
Be used by; as of a utility;
The sewage plant served the neighboring communities
The garage served to shelter his horses
Serve
Be used by; as of a utility;
The sewage plant served the neighboring communities
The garage served to shelter his horses
Service
Make fit for use;
Service my truck
The washing machine needs to be serviced
Serve
Help to some food; help with food or drink;
I served him three times, and after that he helped himself
Service
Mate with;
Male animals serve the females for breeding purposes
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
Service
Assistance or work done for others
The hotel's service was exceptional.
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
Service
An act of help or assistance
He did a great service for the community.
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 counrty well
Serve
Spend time in prison or in a labor camp;
He did six years for embezzlement
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
Serve
Deliver a warrant or summons to someone;
He was processed by the sheriff
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
Serve
Do military service;
She served in Vietnam
My sons never served, because they are short-sighted
Serve
Mate with;
Male animals serve the females for breeding purposes
Serve
Put the ball into play;
It was Agassi's turn to serve
Serve
Perform a duty for someone
He will serve as the team captain.
Serve
Act in a specified role
He served as a mentor to many.
Common Curiosities
Is "service" more formal than "serve"?
Generally, yes. "Service" often refers to more formal or structured activities.
Can "service" be a verb?
Yes, "service" can be used as a verb meaning to maintain or repair.
Can "serve" be used in legal contexts?
Yes, it can mean to deliver legal documents.
Can "serve" be used in a religious context?
Yes, it can mean to perform religious duties.
Is "serve" only used in a hospitality context?
No, "serve" has broader uses including roles, duties, and sports.
Is "service" always related to professional contexts?
Mostly, but it can also refer to acts of assistance in general.
Does "service" have a military use?
Yes, referring to serving in the armed forces.
Can "serve" be passive?
Yes, one can be served by others.
Do "serve" and "service" have the same root?
Yes, both come from Latin "servire," meaning to be a slave or servant.
Can "serve" imply a long-term role?
Yes, like serving in a position for an extended period.
Does "service" always involve payment?
No, it can refer to voluntary help or public services too.
Is "service" always active?
As a noun, it's passive; as a verb, it's active.
Can "serve" mean to benefit?
Yes, as in "serving a purpose."
Can "serve" imply serving food?
Yes, it's commonly used in that context.
Is "service" used in sports?
Not typically, "serve" is the preferred term in sports contexts.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
