assess

verb

uh-SES/əˈsɛs/

Formsassesses, assessing, assessed

2 meanings of assess

1
judgeverbtransitive
To look at something carefully to decide how good, big, or important it is.
Like checking a fruit to see if it is ripe before you buy it.
Doctors assess each patient before choosing the right care.
She assessed the damage to her car after the crash.
UsageUse it for careful judging: assess the damage, assess the risk.
Similarevaluate, judge, gauge, appraise, examine
2
fineverbtransitive
To officially charge someone a tax, fine or fee, or give them a penalty.
Like a ticket you get for parking in the wrong place.
The referee will assess a penalty for the foul.
Judges can assess heavy fines for repeat offenders.
UsageSay what the charge is: assess a fine, assess a penalty.
Similarlevy, impose, charge

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of assess apart? Answer 4 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

From an old French word that came from Latin, made from parts meaning "to" and "sit" or "settle."

Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 3 facts

Assess derives from Old French assesser. en.wiktionary.org
The Old French word derives from Latin. en.wiktionary.org
The Latin origin contains parts meaning “to” and “sit” or “settle.” en.wiktionary.org