assess

/əˈsɛs/
evaluate or estimate the nature or quality of something

The teacher will assess the students' understanding through a short quiz.

This shows how the teacher evaluates students' comprehension.


formal

To evaluate or estimate the nature, quality, or importance of something, often systematically.

The committee will assess the project's feasibility before approving it.

They will evaluate whether the project is practical and viable.

Doctors assess patients' symptoms to determine the best treatment.

They evaluate symptoms to decide on the appropriate medical care.

Often used in formal or professional contexts, such as education, healthcare, or business.

Collocations

assess the situationevaluate the current circumstancesassess the damageevaluate the extent of harm or lossassess the risksevaluate potential dangers or hazards

Related Phrases

assess the damagephrase
evaluate the extent of harm or loss
assess the situationphrase
evaluate the current circumstances

Pro Tip

Formal vs. Informal Use

'Assess' is more formal than 'evaluate' and is commonly used in professional or academic settings.

Gold Rule

Transitive Use

'Assess' is typically used with an object, such as 'assess the risks' or 'assess the performance.'

Word Origin

From Middle English 'assessen,' meaning 'to assess or evaluate,' derived from Old French 'assesser,' from Latin 'assidere,' meaning 'to sit beside.'

Usage Notes

Can be used both transitively (with an object) and intransitively (without an object). Often followed by 'the' or 'a' when referring to a specific subject.

Word Breakdown

assess
to evaluate or estimate
root
English Dictionary