assess
UK: əˈses | US: əˈses
vt. to evaluate or estimate the nature, quality, or value of something
vt. to set or determine the amount of (a tax, fine, etc.)
assess = as<near, toward> + sess<sit>
- as<near, toward>: From Latin ad- (to, toward), assimilated to as- before s.
- sess<sit>: From Latin sedēre (to sit), via Old French sesser (to sit in judgment).
Etymology Origin:
The word assess originated in Medieval Latin as assessare, meaning "to sit beside" (a judge) or "to fix a tax." It evolved from the idea of a judge or tax official "sitting down" to determine a value or penalty. The morpheme sess reflects this judicial or evaluative action, while as- emphasizes the directed nature of the process (toward a decision). Over time, it broadened to general evaluation.
The teacher will assess the students' projects based on creativity and accuracy.
The city council voted to assess a new property tax.
It’s difficult to assess the damage without a proper inspection.
The committee met to assess the risks of the proposed policy.
Psychologists use standardized tests to assess cognitive abilities.