assets

The word “assets” means everything of value that a person or company owns, especially as it relates to paying off debts. In plain terms, all the valuable things (money, property, equipment) a person or company owns.

“Assets” is pronounced A-sehts (/ˈæsɛts/ in IPA).

Here is “assets” used in a sentence: “The court froze all of his assets during the investigation.”

“Assets” is a noun.

The word “assets” comes from Anglo-Norman. From Anglo-Norman asetz ("enough"), originally used in the singular sense of "enough to cover debts" before being reanalyzed as a plural.

“Assets” is a fairly common word in modern English.

Assets are what a person or company owns that has value, such as cash, property, or equipment. Liabilities are what they owe, such as loans and unpaid bills. Assets add to worth; liabilities subtract from it. Subtracting liabilities from assets gives net worth, a basic measure of financial health.

Assets are grouped several ways: current assets, such as cash, versus fixed assets, such as buildings; and tangible assets you can touch versus intangible ones like patents and brand value. Financial assets include shares and bonds. The split helps show what can be sold quickly to cover debts.

Cash in the bank, a house, a car, business equipment, shares, and money owed to you are all assets. For a company, stock, machinery, and patents count too. Anything owned that holds value and could help settle debts or be sold for money qualifies as an asset.

Yes, in a figurative sense. Calling someone an asset means they are valuable and helpful, as in 'she is an asset to the team.' A skill or quality can be an asset too. This differs from the financial meaning of property and possessions that hold monetary value.