serve vs ply

serve and ply both are nouns.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
serve	Yes	No	Yes	No
ply	Yes	No	Yes	No

As verbs, ply is a hypernym of serve; that is, ply is a word with a broader meaning than serve:

Other hypernyms of serve include cater, provide, supply.

As verbs, ply is a hypernym of serve; that is, ply is a word with a broader meaning than serve:

Other hypernyms of serve include cater, provide, supply.

serve (noun)	ply (noun)
(sports) a stroke that puts the ball in play	(usually in combinations) one of several layers of cloth or paper or wood as in plywood
	one of the strands twisted together to make yarn or rope or thread; often used in combination

serve (verb)	ply (verb)
do duty or hold offices; serve in a specific function	give what is desired or needed, especially support, food or sustenance
put the ball into play	use diligently
provide (usually but not necessarily food)	wield vigorously
help to some food; help with food or drink	join together as by twisting, weaving, or molding
deliver a warrant or summons to someone	travel a route regularly
mate with	apply oneself diligently
be used by; as of a utility
work for, or be a servant to
devote (part of) one's life or efforts to, as of countries, institutions, or ideas
do military service
spend time in prison or in a labor camp
contribute or conduce to
promote, benefit, or be useful or beneficial to
serve a purpose, role, or function
be sufficient; be adequate, either in quality or quantity