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

Many American buyers have asked to pause orders to assess the impact of tariffs on Brazilian goods, said Ms Pizol, who oversees sales at the company.

From BBC

The agency did not assess Energy Transfer with a violation or a fine.

From Salon

A spokesperson for the Information Commissioner's Office said: "Jaguar Land Rover has reported an incident and we are assessing the information provided."

From BBC

The government will then outline likely measures to the forecasters who will assess how much they are forecast to raise or to cost the exchequer.

From BBC

Four BBC correspondents assess the significance of Wednesday's parade – what it means, why it matters, and what the spectacle tells us about the "new world order".

From BBC

Related Words

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