Word of the Day: MUSTER

Congregate or convene

muster (verb) - to collect, assemble, or summon up; to put through a roll call [muhs-ter]

• a muster is a gathering, assemblage, or list of military personnel

• to pass muster means to be judged as acceptable or good enough

BREAKDOWN: The word muster comes directly from various French and Anglo-Norman words meaning to show or display. This word is related to the root MONSTR- meaning omen, sign, or to show in words like demonstrate and monster.

“Empathy is not simply a matter of trying to imagine what others are going through, but having the will to muster enough courage to do something about it. In a way, empathy is predicated upon hope.” —Cornel West

[Our Wednesday Wildcards are fascinating and important words that are not necessarily derived from classical roots.]