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serve as — to function as; to act in the capacity of; to be used for a particular purpose

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: to function as; to act in the capacity of; to be used for a particular purpose

Pronunciation (IPA): /sɜːrv æz/

Example Sentences

  • My cat serves as my personal alarm clock every morning at 5 AM.
  • This broken umbrella serves as a perfect spider catcher.
  • Her experience serves as valuable guidance for new employees.

serve as

NOUN

[/sɜːrv æz/]

to function as; to act in the capacity of; to be used for a particular purpose

to function as; to act in the capacity of; to be used for a particular purpose
💡 Concept

to function as; to act in the capacity of; to be used for a particular purpose

She serves as guardian while we observe how books preserve wisdom!
🎵 Rhyme

She serves as guardian while we observe how books preserve wisdom!

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/sɜːrv æz/
🇬🇧 UK/sɜːv æz/

🌳Etymology

Rootserve

Origin

Serve derives from Latin servire (to serve, be a servant), while as developed from Old English ealswā (likewise, in the same way). The combined phrase emerged to express the idea of functioning or serving in a particular capacity or role.

Breakdown

serve (from Latin servire, to serve) + as (from Old English ealswā, in the manner of, like). Together they form a phrasal construction indicating role or function.

🎵Rhyme

reserve
preserve
observe

🔗Collocations

serve as a reminder
serve as evidence
serve as a bridge
serve as president
serve as an example
serve as a model

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“My cat serves as my personal alarm clock every morning at 5 AM.”

😄 Fun example

“This broken umbrella serves as a perfect spider catcher.”

“Her experience serves as valuable guidance for new employees.”

“This app serves as a translator when I travel abroad.”

📚Related Words

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