Service
'sɜːvɪs
Definitions
5 meaningsThe act of helping or providing assistance to someone.
'sɜːvɪs
An act of help or assistance.
The restaurant is known for its excellent service.
💡 Simply: Service is like helping someone out! Imagine you're helping a friend carry groceries, that's a service. Businesses offer services too, like delivering food or giving you a haircut.
👶 For kids: When you help someone, like when you share your toys or help your mom with the dishes. That's a service!
More Examples
The company offers a range of services to its clients.
Emergency services were quickly on the scene.
How It's Used
"The hotel provides excellent service."
"We aim to improve customer service."
A system providing a public need, such as transport, utilities, or communication.
'sɜːvɪs
A system that provides a public need.
The telephone service was disrupted by the storm.
💡 Simply: A service can also be a system that helps a lot of people. Like the bus service that gets you to school, or the internet service that lets you play games and watch videos online!
👶 For kids: A service is something that helps lots of people. Like a bus that takes you to school!
More Examples
The government provides essential public services.
We rely on the postal service for mail delivery.
How It's Used
"The public transportation service is reliable."
"The internet service was down."
The action of serving someone, or the period of time spent in service, e.g., the armed forces.
'sɜːvɪs
The action of serving a person.
He was praised for his years of service.
💡 Simply: It's also when you work to help or take care of others. Like when a waiter brings you food at a restaurant, or when someone is in the army helping protect their country.
👶 For kids: Helping people, like a waiter who brings you food or a soldier who helps keep everyone safe.
More Examples
Military service is compulsory in some countries.
The staff provides prompt and efficient service.
How It's Used
"The waitress provided excellent service."
"He completed his term of service in the army."
A religious ceremony or gathering.
'sɜːvɪs
A religious ceremony.
They were late for the church service.
💡 Simply: It could also be a special meeting in a church or temple where people pray and listen to stories about their religion.
👶 For kids: Going to church or temple to pray and learn about God.
More Examples
The service included hymns and a sermon.
The service was held in memory of the deceased.
How It's Used
"They attended a church service on Sunday."
To perform maintenance or repair work on something. OR to provide service to a customer or client.
'sɜːv
To provide service or assistance.
The mechanic services the car every six months.
💡 Simply: When you service something, you're taking care of it, like when a mechanic services your car or when a shop helps customers. It is also doing something for someone.
👶 For kids: Taking care of something, like fixing your bike or helping a customer find what they want.
More Examples
We service all types of equipment.
How can I service your needs?
How It's Used
"The technicians service the machines regularly."
"How can I service your needs?"
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
in service
Functioning or being used for a particular purpose.
"The bus is still in service."
at your service
An expression of willingness to help or assist someone.
"How can I help you, sir? I'm at your service."
self-service
A type of service where customers serve themselves.
"The self-service checkout is very convenient."
From Old French *service*, from Latin *servitium* ("slavery, servitude"), from *servus* ("slave").
The word 'service' has been used for centuries in many forms, reflecting a wide variety of societal needs and interactions.
Memory tip
Think of a waiter helping customers at a restaurant.
Word Origin
"slave"