assess
Americanverb (used with object)
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to estimate officially the value of (property, income, etc.) as a basis for taxation.
-
to fix or determine the amount of (damages, a tax, a fine, etc.).
The hurricane damage was assessed at six million dollars.
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to impose a tax or other charge on.
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to estimate or judge the value, character, etc., of; evaluate.
to assess one's efforts.
- Synonyms:
- appraise
verb
-
to judge the worth, importance, etc, of; evaluate
-
(foll by at) to estimate the value of (income, property, etc) for taxation purposes
the estate was assessed at three thousand pounds
-
to determine the amount of (a fine, tax, damages, etc)
-
to impose a tax, fine, etc, on (a person or property)
Other Word Forms
- assessable adjective
- overassess verb (used with object)
- reassess verb (used with object)
- unassessable adjective
- unassessed adjective
- well-assessed adjective
Etymology
Origin of assess
First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English assessen, from Old French assesser, from Medieval Latin assessāre “to assess a tax,” derivative of Latin assessus “seated beside (a judge)” (past participle of assidēre ), equivalent to as- “toward” + sed- (stem of sedēre “to sit”) + -tus past participle suffix; as-, sit 1
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
That perspective is just as relevant today, as investors assess founder control, pay practices and corporate governance — just as they always have.
From MarketWatch
That perspective is just as relevant today, as investors assess founder control, pay practices and corporate governance — just as they always have.
From MarketWatch
Checking the forecast is not always top of mind for your average Angeleno, but hikers and campers must assess the weather before leaving for the forest.
From Los Angeles Times
There is no confirmation on when he will return to the UK, at which point he will be assessed further.
From BBC
Police are investigating the incident to assess whether there was any professional negligence, such as in the manufacturing and maintenance of the travelator.
From BBC
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
