serve vs provide

serve is a noun but provide is not a noun.

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

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

serve: provide (usually but not necessarily food)
provide: give what is desired or needed, especially support, food or sustenance

Other hypernyms of serve include cater, ply, supply.

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

serve: help to some food; help with food or drink
provide: give what is desired or needed, especially support, food or sustenance

Other hypernyms of serve include cater, ply, supply.

serve (noun)	provide (noun)
(sports) a stroke that puts the ball in play

serve (verb)	provide (verb)
do duty or hold offices; serve in a specific function	take measures in preparation for
put the ball into play	determine (what is to happen in certain contingencies), especially by including a proviso condition or stipulation
provide (usually but not necessarily food)	give what is desired or needed, especially support, food or sustenance
help to some food; help with food or drink	give something useful or necessary to
deliver a warrant or summons to someone	supply means of subsistence; earn a living
mate with	mount or put up
be used by; as of a utility	make a possibility or provide opportunity for; permit to be attainable or cause to remain
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