Words / C1

MAHSHL/ˈmɑːʃl/

To marshal is to gather and arrange people or facts in order: marshal arguments, marshal volunteers. Organise is everyday and wider; assemble is gather without the arranging. Martial (of war) is a cruel lookalike. Do not marshal a corridor crowd against a fire door.

Meaning

To gather and arrange people or facts in an organised way.

Examples

• “Marshal the night-shift logs before you brief the board.”
• “Organise is everyday. Assemble is collect. A marshal (noun) can be an official at an event. Martial law is military. A scrum at the exit is not marshalling.”

Good to know

Assemble and organise. Everyday: organise. Mix-up: martial (of war). Noun: a marshal (official). Not a fire-exit scrum.

Near in meaning

assemble

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