assess

verb

Etymology: Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *h₂éd Proto-Italic *ad Proto-Italic *ad- Latin ad- Proto-Indo-European *sed- Proto-Indo-European *-éh₁ti Proto-Indo-European *-yeti Proto-Indo-European *-éh₁yeti Proto-Indo-European *sedéh₁yeti Proto-Italic *sedēō Latin sedeō Latin assideō Latin assessus Medieval Latin assessareder. Old French assesserbor. Middle English assessen English assess From Middle English assessen, from Old French assesser, from Medieval Latin assessare, originally the frequentative of Latin assessus, past participle of assidēre, from ad (“to, towards, at”) + sedeō (“sit; settle down”). Cognate with Spanish asentar (“to settle”).

1. To determine, estimate or judge the value of; to evaluate; to estimate.

   “He assessed the situation.”

   “An insurance adjuster will assess the damage.”

2. To impose or charge, especially as punishment for an infraction.

   “The referee assessed a penalty for delaying the game.”

   “A $10.00 late fee will be assessed on all overdue accounts.”

3. To calculate and demand (the tax money due) from a person or entity.

   “Once you've submitted a tax return, the Tax Department will assess the amount of tax you still owe.”