assess

[uh-ses]

verb (used with object)

1. to estimate officially the value of (property, income, etc.) as a basis for taxation.

2. to fix or determine the amount of (damages, a tax, a fine, etc.).

   The hurricane damage was assessed at six million dollars.

   Synonyms: adjust, appraise

3. to impose a tax or other charge on.

4. to estimate or judge the value, character, etc., of; evaluate.

   to assess one's efforts.

   Synonyms: appraise

assess

/ əˈsɛs /

verb

1. to judge the worth, importance, etc, of; evaluate

2. (foll by at) to estimate the value of (income, property, etc) for taxation purposes

   the estate was assessed at three thousand pounds

3. to determine the amount of (a fine, tax, damages, etc)

4. 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of assess¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of assess¹

C15: from Old French assesser, from Latin assidēre to sit beside, from sedēre to sit

Example Sentences

Jana said in a statement that it plans to engage with Six Flags’ board and management team to improve the company’s marketing strategy and operations, accelerate technology modernization, assess its leadership and evaluate potential acquisitions.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Panel members for Connelly's review will assess her risk in whether to release her from prison or recommend she is transferred to open prison conditions.

Read more on BBC

"The East Wing is 83 years old. It has assumed a historical importance of its own. I haven't seen much out there about how that was assessed."

Read more on BBC

The findings highlight the need for clinicians to look beyond BMI or waist measurements when assessing heart risk.

Read more on Science Daily

It added that failures to properly consult locals and assess the impact cuts or fee hikes would have on inequality had already seen some councils reversing decisions and communities taking legal action.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• appraise 
• check 
• determine 
• estimate 
• fix 
• gauge 
• judge 
• weigh