B2verb2K

Assess

UK /["/əˈses/","/əˈsesɪz/","/əˈsest/","/əˈsesɪŋ/"]/US /["/əˈses/","/əˈsesɪz/","/əˈsest/","/əˈsesɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to make a judgement about the nature or quality of somebody/something

In simple words: To examine something in order to make a judgment about it.

Examples

  • It's important to assess the damage after a storm.
  • Teachers often assess students' progress through tests.
  • Before making a decision, we need to assess all available options.
  • The committee will assess the project's feasibility next week.
  • You should assess your skills before applying for the job.

Usage notes

Use 'assess' in contexts where you evaluate performance, quality, or value. It's not typically used for informal situations or casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

assess + object

Memory hint

Sounds like 'a-sess' — think of a session where you examine things carefully.

Collocations

  • fully
  • accurately
  • correctly
  • attempt to
  • try to
  • help to
  • for
  • accurately
  • correctly
  • properly
  • attempt to
  • try to
  • be difficult to
  • at

Synonyms

  • estimate

Antonyms

  • ignore
  • neglect
  • overlook

Common mistakes

  • 'Assess' is often confused with 'access'; make sure to use the correct term in evaluations.
  • Learners might use it without an object, like saying 'I assess', instead of 'I assess the situation'.
  • Sometimes learners use it incorrectly as a noun, when it is a verb.