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muster

MUSS-ter /ˈmʌstər/

verbnounB2SATACTTOEFL

formalmilitaryliterary

To assemble or gather together, especially for inspection, roll call, or military service; to summon up (strength or courage).

Can be used physically (gathering troops) or metaphorically (gathering internal strength or courage).

The story behind the word. From Old French 'mostrer' and Latin 'monstrare', meaning 'to show or exhibit'. To muster troops was literally to put them on display for inspection, ensuring that all soldiers who were paid for were actually present and fit for duty.

Word relationships

assemble: Assemble is a general term for gathering, while muster implies a formal, organized gathering for inspection or a specific purpose.
summon: Summon means to officially call someone to a place, while muster emphasizes the actual gathering and organizing of those called.

disperse: Disperse means to scatter or break up a gathering, which is the exact opposite of mustering.

Commonly confused with

clutter: Clutter is a messy, unorganized collection of things, while muster is a highly organized assembly.

Word family

mustered (verb (past tense)): Assembled or gathered.

Collocations

muster courage
muster troops
pass muster

Idioms & expressions

pass muster (to meet a required standard)

Example sentences

"The bugle sounded at dawn, ordering the men to muster on the main parade ground." A historical novel describing morning routines.
"She had to muster all her courage to stand up and speak in front of the hostile crowd." Describing a difficult personal moment.

Memory hook

To muster is to gather 'must-see' troops for an inspection. Gather to show you are ready.

When not to use

Do not use for casual, unorganized hangouts or accidental meetings.

Fun facts

The phrase 'pass muster' comes from the military inspection where soldiers had to be clean, equipped, and fit enough to be approved by the inspecting officer.