assess
uh-SESS
/əˈses/
To evaluate or estimate the nature, ability, or quality of something.
Assess is more active and investigative than 'evaluate'. It often involves gathering information before making a judgment.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'assidere', meaning 'to sit beside'. Originally, an 'assessor' was someone who sat beside a judge to help determine the amount of a fine or tax. Today, when you assess someone, you are metaphorically 'sitting beside' their work to judge it fairly.
Word relationships
- evaluate: Evaluate focuses on the final value or result; assess focuses on the process of gathering evidence to judge.
- appraise: Appraise is more formal and often linked to monetary value or formal work reviews.
- ignore: To ignore is to refuse to look at or judge something, whereas assessing requires close attention.
Commonly confused with
- access: Access means the ability to enter or use something; assess means to judge it.
Word family
- assessment (noun): The act of assessing.
- assessor (noun): A person who assesses.
Collocations
- assess the situation
- assess performance
- assess the impact
- carefully assess
Example sentences
- "We need to assess the risks before we commit more resources to this project." A manager looking at a project's progress.
- "Tests are used to assess the students' progress throughout the semester." An educational context.
Memory hook
To assess, you must 'sit' (sess) with the data. Sitting down to judge.
When not to use
Avoid using 'assess' for purely financial calculations (use 'calculate' or 'total'); use it for qualitative judgments.
Fun facts
- In the UK, an 'Assessor' is often a specific official role in local government responsible for property taxes.
Related words
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