Meaning of Word
Service refers to the action of helping or doing work for someone, or it can denote a system that provides public functions or benefits. It also refers to the act of offering assistance, usually in exchange for payment.
Definitions and Meaning in English
- Assistance or help provided to others, often in exchange for payment or as a professional duty.
- Work or tasks performed for someone or a group, aimed at fulfilling a need or providing a benefit.
- Public service; systems, utilities, or activities that benefit the community, such as transportation, education, or healthcare.
- A religious or ceremonial act, such as a church service or ritual.
- A business or commercial activity that offers goods or tasks to customers.
History and Origin
The word service comes from the Latin servitium, meaning “slavery” or “servitude,” which evolved in Old French into servise, meaning “act of serving” or “service.” Over time, the term became associated with acts of providing for or assisting others, and by the 14th century, it also referred to the systems and businesses created to offer assistance or labor in exchange for payment. The modern use of “service” has expanded into various fields, including customer service, government service, and more.
Detailed Explanation
Service generally refers to any act of helping, assisting, or doing work for someone. This can take the form of various professions such as healthcare, hospitality, or education, where professionals provide their expertise or labor in exchange for compensation. The term can also apply to the systems set up to deliver goods or functions to the public, such as utilities (water, electricity, etc.) or government-run services (emergency response, public transportation). Additionally, the word extends to customer service, which involves direct assistance to clients or consumers. Service can also refer to formal activities, such as religious ceremonies or community services.
Example Sentences
- The hotel service was exceptional, with staff always available to help.
- He works in customer service, helping clients resolve issues with their orders.
- The company offers delivery services to customers across the country.
- The church held a special service on Christmas Eve.
- She provided volunteer service at the local shelter during the holidays.
- The service in this restaurant was slow but the food was worth the wait.
- The city has a well-organized public transportation service.
- The repair service for my phone was quick and efficient.
- He was praised for his service in the military, where he served for over 20 years.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Assistance – Help or support given to someone in need.
- Support – The act of providing help, often emotionally or practically.
- Aid – Assistance given to meet a specific need or to improve a situation.
- Help – The action of providing aid or doing something to assist someone.
- Care – The process of providing necessary services or attention, often related to health or well-being.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Hospitality – The friendly reception and treatment of guests or visitors, often in service-based industries like hotels.
- Servitude – The state of being a servant, originally linked to the idea of service.
- Public service – Services provided by the government for the benefit of the community, like education, law enforcement, or healthcare.
- Employment – The state of working for an employer in exchange for payment, often related to providing a service.
- Provision – The act of providing or supplying something necessary, especially a service or resource.
More Matches with Short Explanation
- Customer care – A specific type of service focused on helping and satisfying clients or consumers.
- Maintenance – The service of keeping equipment or facilities in good working condition.
- Outsourcing – The practice of contracting services or tasks to external suppliers rather than handling them in-house.
- Concierge – A service provided by a hotel or building to assist guests with various tasks like booking reservations or providing local information.
- Consulting – A professional service where experts provide advice and guidance in specific areas of business or technology.
Antonyms
- Neglect
- Disservice
- Inaction
- Indifference
- Hindrance
