Servait (en. Served)
[sɛʁvɛ]
Meaning & Definition
EnglishFrench
verb
To use something to meet a need or achieve a goal.
He served as a model for many artists.
Il servait de modèle pour de nombreux artistes.
To be useful to someone or something.
This book served as his guide.
Ce livre lui servait de guide.
To serve in the military.
He served in the army during the war.
Il servait dans l'armée pendant la guerre.
Etymology
The word 'servait' comes from the Latin 'servire', which means 'to be a slave, to serve'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
to serve a purpose
To be useful, to have a function.
servir à quelque chose
to serve as something
To be used as a substitute or an example.
servir de quelque chose
to make use of
To use something.
se servir de
Related Words
service
The act of serving, the set of services provided.
service
server
A person who serves in a restaurant.
serveur
servant
A person who is at the service of another.
serviteur
Slang Meanings
To be at someone's disposal.
She would serve her friend at all times.
Elle sertait son ami en tout temps.
To comply with someone's demands.
He would use me for his own interests.
Il se sertait de moi pour ses propres intérêts.