Christopher Columbus

As soon as I arrived in the Indies, in the first island which I found, I took some of the natives by force, in order that they might learn and might give me information of whatever there is in these parts. And so it was that they soon understood us, and we them, either by speech or by signs, and they have been very serviceable.

Italian Explorer

William Golding

A novel ensures that we can look before and after, take action at whatever pace we choose, read again and again, skip and go back. The story in a book is humble and serviceable, available, friendly, is not switched on and off but taken up and put down, lasts a lifetime.

English Novelist

Joseph Lancaster

This system of encouragement proves serviceable as a preventive of punishment, the attainment of the tickets being a reward, the forfeiture of them the reverse; and, as such, boys seem often more affected by their loss than by coercion.

English Educator

Mickey Arthur

Having coached in South Africa, you don't really work with wrist-spinners - you work with serviceable finger-spinners.

South African Coach

Matthew Henry

Goodness makes greatness truly valuable, and greatness makes goodness much more serviceable.

English Clergyman

Francois de La Rochefoucauld

The name and pretense of virtue is as serviceable to self-interest as are real vices.

French Writer

Henri Frederic Amiel

Cleverness is serviceable for everything, sufficient for nothing.

Swiss Philosopher

W. Somerset Maugham

The ability to quote is a serviceable substitute for wit.

British Playwright

Henry Miller

The waking mind is the least serviceable in the arts.

American Author

Sam Neill

I'm serviceable. I'm durable. I get the job done.

Irish Actor

Use 'serviceable' to describe something that meets basic needs without frills.

Just Adequate

'Serviceable' implies functionality, without suggesting high quality or luxury features.

Not Premium

Describes used items that are still functional, despite not being new.

Second-hand Acceptable

Signifies items that can endure regular use over a long period.

Everyday Durability

Suggests something may be a good long-term choice due to its sturdy nature.

Long-term Investment

Refers to items that handle basic needs and resist wear and tear.

Survives the Basics

 but I want to take you back to something which I alluded to earlier on. Our bridges need to be functional, yes. They need to be safe -- absolutely. They need to be serviceable and durable. But I passionately believe they need to be elegant; they need to be beautiful.

Bridges should be...

 Many may not think of cats as serviceable sailors, or cooperative companions of any kind. But cats have been working alongside humans for thousands of years - helping us just as often as we help them.