Servant
/ˈsɜːrvənt/
Definitions
2 meaningsA person employed by another to perform household or personal duties.
/ˈsɜːrvənt/
A person employed to perform domestic duties.
The butler was a loyal servant to the family for many years.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone whose job is to help out at a house, like doing chores or taking care of people. Think of a butler or a housekeeper.
👶 For kids: A person whose job is to help another person or a family, like doing chores or bringing things.
More Examples
The hotel employed numerous servants to attend to the guests' needs.
He treated his servants with kindness and respect.
How It's Used
"In the Victorian era, many wealthy families employed numerous servants to manage their households."
"The court ruled that the defendant was acting as the servant of the corporation."
A person devoted to the service of God, a cause, or an ideal.
/ˈsɜːrvənt/
A person devoted to the service of God or a cause.
He dedicated his life as a servant of the church.
💡 Simply: Someone who is deeply dedicated to something really important, like helping others or following their beliefs. They might put the needs of their cause before their own.
👶 For kids: A person who is very dedicated to helping others or doing good things, like helping God or helping people in their community.
More Examples
She considered herself a servant of the people.
The volunteers were true servants of the community, dedicating their time to helping those in need.
How It's Used
"The priest considered himself a servant of God."
"She was a servant to her community, always working to improve the lives of others."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
at your service
An expression of willingness to help or assist someone.
"How can I help you, sir? I'm at your service."
serve someone right
To deserve a punishment or unpleasant situation.
"He lied and cheated, so it serves him right that he lost everything."
From Old French *servant* (present participle of *servir*, 'to serve'), from Latin *serviens*, present participle of *servire* ('to serve').
The term 'servant' has been used for centuries to describe individuals employed in domestic service. It was particularly prevalent in feudal societies and during the Victorian era.
Memory tip
Think of a person who SERVES the needs of others within a household.
Word Origin
"to serve"