Assess

/əˈsɛs/

Meaning & Definition

verb
To evaluate or estimate the nature, ability, or quality of.
The teacher will assess the students' understanding of the material through a quiz.
To determine the significance, worth, or importance of something.
The committee was assembled to assess the impact of the new policy on the community.
To set a value on; to estimate the amount of a tax or the value of property.
The local government will assess property values for the upcoming tax year.
To calculate the amount of an insurance premium or benefit.
Insurance companies assess risk when determining policy premiums.

Etymology

Middle English 'assessen', from Old French 'assesser', from Latin 'assessare' (to value)

Common Phrases and Expressions

assess the situation:
to analyze and understand the current state of affairs
assess risks:
to evaluate potential dangers or losses
assess performance:
to evaluate how well someone has done in a task or job

Related Words

Slang Meanings

to check out
I'm going to assess that new restaurant downtown.
to figure out
Let's assess how we can improve our project.