assess

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.

“Assess” is pronounced uh-SEHS (/əˈsɛs/ in IPA).

Here is “assess” used in a sentence: “The teacher assessed each student's progress at the end of term.”

“Assess” is a verb.

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").

“Assess” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

“Assess” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to judge or estimate the value, quality, or extent of something.

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.

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.

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.