other
se servir de
use
Definition & meaning
se servir de is a common reflexive phrasal verb in French that means "to use" or "to make use of something."
It is used in several contexts:
- To utilize an object or a tool: To perform an action with a specific instrument. For example: "Je me sers d'un stylo pour écrire" (I use a pen to write).
- To take advantage of someone or something: Sometimes used in a negative sense to mean exploiting a person or a situation for one's own benefit.
- To make use of a resource: When referring to skills, knowledge, or abstract tools. For example: "Il faut savoir se servir de son intelligence" (One must know how to use their intelligence).
Grammar & Word origin
se servir de is a pronominal verb composed of three parts:
- se: The reflexive pronoun.
- servir: Derived from the Latin servire, meaning "to serve."
- de: The preposition required to link the verb to the object being used.
Grammatically, it is a transitive indirect verb. When you conjugate it, the "se" changes according to the subject (je me, tu te, il se, nous nous, vous vous, ils se) and the "de" often contracts with the object if it starts with a vowel or h-muet (e.g., s'en servir).
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
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Examples
Je me sers de cet outil tous les jours.other
I use this tool every day.
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