Definition

To evaluate or determine the importance, value, or quality of something.

Example

The teacher will assess the students' progress at the end of the term.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Have you ever had to assess the damage after a storm?

Yeah, it can be pretty overwhelming, especially if you have a lot of repairs.

I imagine it’s tough to assess everything accurately in a hurry.

For sure! You try to do your best, but it’s easy to miss things.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Assess → It is formed from 'ad-' (meaning to) and 'sedere' (meaning to sit). The word originally referred to sitting down to evaluate or estimate something.

Memory Tip

Think of 'sitting down' ('sedere') to 'evaluate' ('ad-') something — that's how you remember that assess means to evaluate or estimate.

Visually Confused Words