assess
uh-SEHS
Assess (verb) means to judge or estimate the value, quality, or extent of something. Example: “A surveyor will assess the house before the bank agrees to lend any money.”
verb
1
To judge or estimate the value, quality, or extent of something.
"A surveyor will assess the house before the bank agrees to lend any money."
"The teacher assessed each student's progress at the end of term."
"Engineers assessed the damage after the storm."
2
To calculate and officially charge an amount, such as a tax or fine.
"The authorities will assess a fee on every late payment."
"If you park illegally, the city may assess a fine against your car."
"The council assessed the property at a higher rate this year."
How to use assess
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo work out how good, bad, valuable, or serious something is.
Common pairings
assess the risk
assess damage
assess performance
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- assesses
- Past tense
- assessed
Fill the gap
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A surveyor will _____ the house before the bank agrees to lend any money.
Etymology
From Old French asseser, from Medieval Latin assessare, from Latin assidere ("to sit beside", used of judges sitting to determine a case), from ad- plus sedere ("to sit").
Related words
Rhymes for assess
See all rhymes for assess →Frequently asked questions
What does “assess” mean?
The word “assess” means to judge or estimate the value, quality, or extent of something. In plain terms, to work out how good, bad, valuable, or serious something is.
How do you pronounce “assess”?
“Assess” is pronounced uh-SEHS (/əˈsɛs/ in IPA).
How do you use “assess” in a sentence?
Here is “assess” used in a sentence: “The teacher assessed each student's progress at the end of term.”
What part of speech is “assess”?
“Assess” is a verb.
Where does the word “assess” come from?
The word “assess” comes from Medieval Latin. From Old French asseser, from Medieval Latin assessare, from Latin assidere ("to sit beside", used of judges sitting to determine a case), from ad- plus sedere ("to sit").
Is “assess” a common word?
“Assess” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “assess” have?
“Assess” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to judge or estimate the value, quality, or extent of something.
What is the difference between assess and evaluate?
Both verbs mean to judge the value, quality, or extent of something, and in many sentences they are interchangeable. Assess often suggests measuring a level or amount — you assess damage, risk, or a student's progress — and it alone carries the official sense of calculating a tax or fine. Evaluate leans toward a considered judgment of overall worth or significance after careful study.
What is the difference between assess and access?
Assess is a verb meaning to judge or estimate the value, quality, or extent of something. Access is chiefly a noun meaning the right or opportunity to enter or use something, and as a verb it means to reach or retrieve, especially data. The two are confused mainly because of spelling; remember that assess, with the double s in the middle, is the one about judging.
What is the difference between assess and appraise?
Appraise typically implies an expert setting a monetary value on something specific, such as a house, jewel, or artwork. Assess is broader: it covers judging the quality or extent of anything — risks, needs, performance — as well as officially calculating taxes. An appraiser tells you what your ring is worth; a teacher assesses your progress.
