Serve a purpose Meaning in English
expression
ˈsɝv/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈpɝpəs
SURV uh PUR-puhs
sˈɜːv/ /æɪ/ /pˈɜːpəs
SURV uh PUR-puhs
Definição
If something serves a purpose, it is useful or does what it is needed to do.
Uso & Nuances
Often used for objects, actions, or plans that are not perfect but still useful. Commonly in the negative ('doesn't serve a purpose') or as 'serve its/their purpose'. Slightly formal, but used in daily speech.
Spanish: servir para algo - tener una funciónPortuguese (BR): servir a um propósitoPortuguese (PT): servir um propósitoChinese (Simplified): 有用 - 起作用Chinese (Traditional): 有用 - 起作用Hindi: किसी उद्देश्य को पूरा करनाArabic: يؤدي غرضاً - يخدم هدفاًBengali: উপকারে আসা - কাজে লাগাRussian: служить цели - быть полезнымJapanese: 役に立つ - 目的を果たすVietnamese: có tác dụng - phục vụ mục đíchKorean: 목적에 부합하다 - 도움이 되다Turkish: amaca hizmet etmek - işe yaramakUrdu: کام آنا - مقصد پورا کرناIndonesian: berfungsi - memenuhi tujuan
Frases de Exemplo
Even simple tools can serve a purpose.
basic
These instructions no longer serve a purpose; nobody uses them.
natural
This old chair still serves a purpose in the garage.
basic
Every rule should serve a purpose.
basic
I’m not sure if this feature really serves a purpose or just makes things complicated.
natural
It’s not pretty, but it serves its purpose.
natural