Mustered
'mʌstərd
Definitions
2 meaningsTo gather or assemble (troops, people, etc.), especially for a specific purpose, often implying a formal or organized gathering.
'mʌstərd
To assemble troops, especially for inspection or combat.
The teacher mustered the students for a fire drill.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're the captain of a team. When you tell everyone to 'muster' it means everyone should get together in a group and that you're about to give instructions or do a head count.
👶 For kids: To gather everyone together, like when the teacher calls everyone to line up.
More Examples
The authorities mustered all available resources to combat the flood.
He mustered his courage to face the difficult challenge.
How It's Used
"The general mustered his troops before the battle."
"The king mustered his knights to defend the kingdom."
To gather or summon a particular quality, such as courage, strength, or effort.
'mʌstərd
To summon up (a feeling, attitude, or resource).
He mustered his courage and walked onto the stage.
💡 Simply: It's like when you need to find the energy or courage to do something hard. For example, maybe you're scared to talk to someone, but you try to muster the courage to say hello.
👶 For kids: To try really hard to feel something, like being brave.
More Examples
The team mustered all their remaining energy for the final play.
She mustered a smile, trying to hide her disappointment.
How It's Used
"She mustered the strength to keep going."
"He mustered a smile despite his sadness."
Synonyms
From Old French *mostrer* (to show, display), related to Latin *monstrare* (to show, point out), from *monstrum* (omen, sign). The sense of assembling troops likely stems from showing or displaying them for inspection or enrollment.
In historical texts, *mustered* frequently appears in military contexts describing the gathering and inspection of soldiers and resources. It also appears in contexts of summoning inner qualities, like courage or strength, even in older texts.
Memory tip
Think of a mustard-colored uniform – troops being *mustered* wear them.