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)

Derived Forms

• asˈsessable, adjective

Other Word Forms

• as·sess·a·ble adjective
• o·ver·as·sess verb (used with object)
• re·as·sess verb (used with object)
• un·as·sess·a·ble adjective
• un·as·sessed adjective
• well-as·sessed 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

They could then temporarily surcharge their own policyholders for half of what they are assessed with Lara’s approval.

From Los Angeles Times

Commentators usually benchmark the first 100 days as a time to assess the initial accomplishments of a new presidential administration.

From Salon

In the months and years after research and working groups continued to assess procedures and rules.

From BBC

One GP told the BBC that the increased workload resulting from having to assess and then escalate unreliable results was leading to "increased burnout and people wanting to leave the profession".

From BBC

Afterward, James was asked to assess his rookie season so far.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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