evaluate
Americanverb (used with object)
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to determine or set the value or amount of; appraise.
to evaluate property.
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to judge or determine the significance, worth, or quality of; assess.
to evaluate the results of an experiment.
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Mathematics. to determine or calculate the numerical value of (a formula, function, relation, etc.).
verb
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to ascertain or set the amount or value of
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to judge or assess the worth of; appraise
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maths logic to determine the unique member of the range of a function corresponding to a given member of its domain
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of evaluate
First recorded in 1835–45; back formation from evaluation
Explanation
When you evaluate something, you're making a judgment, one that most likely results from some degree of analysis. Breaking down the nutritional pros and cons of dessert options is evaluating. Diving into a tub of Ben and Jerry's because you have a craving is not. The word evaluate was used as a mathematics term before it became part of standard usage. Thus, its wonky connotation of objectivity.
Vocabulary lists containing evaluate
Tier 2 Words for the SBAC ELA Items
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Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List
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Vocabulary of the Common Core
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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.
The committee said it would continuously evaluate new evidence as it comes in, which could yet lead to wider screening programmes.
From BBC • May 28, 2026
The partnership will initially focus on scaling up supply chains for spacecraft subsystems and the companies will also evaluate a path toward industrialized satellite bus platforms.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 2026
To search for potential treatments, researchers used large-scale computational screening methods to evaluate billions of possible molecules.
From Science Daily • May 26, 2026
Securities and Exchange Commission that “would create two distinct publicly traded companies, enabling shareholders to more clearly evaluate each company’s assets and growth prospects, while providing both with enhanced strategic and financial flexibility.”
From MarketWatch • May 26, 2026
He went to a doctor and requested a cursory, nonintrusive examination, but was told that only a blood test would enable the doctor to evaluate his kidney function.
From "Endgame" by Frank Brady
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.
