serve in the military — to work as a member of the armed forces, often as a legal obligation
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to work as a member of the armed forces, often as a legal obligation
Pronunciation (IPA): /sɜːrv ɪn ðə ˈmɪləˌtɛri/
Example Sentences
- My brother has to serve in the military next year, so he's trying to enjoy his freedom now.
- He joked that he'd rather serve in the military than sit through another boring math class.
- Many K-pop idols must pause their careers to serve in the military.
serve in the military
VERB[/sɜːrv ɪn ðə ˈmɪləˌtɛri/]
to work as a member of the armed forces, often as a legal obligation
Young recruits serve in the military, saluting proudly at their first morning roll call.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The phrase combines two Latin roots: 'serve' derives from Latin servire, meaning 'to work as a slave' or 'to serve,' while 'military' comes from Latin militaris, meaning 'of or relating to soldiers.' Together, these terms formed the compound expression meaning 'to serve one's nation in the capacity of a soldier.'
Breakdown
serve (from Latin servire: to serve, to work) + in the military (from Latin militaris: of soldiers, military). The phrase combines a verb of service with an adjectival modifier denoting armed forces.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My brother has to serve in the military next year, so he's trying to enjoy his freedom now.”
“He joked that he'd rather serve in the military than sit through another boring math class.”
“Many K-pop idols must pause their careers to serve in the military.”
“Even after becoming famous, he still had to serve in the military like everyone else—fame doesn't excuse you from push-ups!”
📚Related Words
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