service
UK[ˈsɜːvɪs]US[ˈsɜːrvɪs]
n
The action of helping or doing work for someone.
n
A system or organization that provides something the public needs, such as transport, communications, or utilities.
n
The armed forces.
n
A ceremony of religious worship according to a prescribed form.
n
(in tennis and other racket sports) the act or action of serving the ball.
v
Perform routine maintenance or repair work on (a vehicle or machine).
Morpheme Breakdown
serv
ice
serv
to serve
ice
noun suffix
Etymology
The word 'service' has a direct lineage from Latin, entering English via Old French. Its core root, serv-, originates from the Latin servus, meaning 'slave' or 'servant', which itself may derive from an Etruscan source. The suffix -ice evolved from the Latin abstract noun-forming suffix -itia, as seen in servitium (slavery, servitude). Over centuries, the meaning broadened from the state of being a slave to encompass any act of helpful labor or duty performed for another. This semantic expansion reflects a shift from a condition of bondage to a more general concept of work, assistance, and organized systems of provision, while retaining the fundamental link to the act of serving.
Analysis
Structure: serv (to serve) + ice (noun suffix)
- serv: From Latin servus (slave, servant). Functional role: root, carrying the core meaning of serving or being in a subordinate position.
- ice: From Latin -itia, a suffix forming abstract nouns of state or quality. Functional role: derivational suffix, converting the verb/root into a noun denoting the act, condition, or result of serving.
Examples
The restaurant is known for its excellent food and friendly service.
The bus service in the rural area has been discontinued.
He took his car to the garage for a routine service.