B2verb1K

Evaluate

UK /["/ɪˈvæljueɪt/","/ɪˈvæljueɪts/","/ɪˈvæljueɪtɪd/","/ɪˈvæljueɪtɪŋ/"]/US /["/ɪˈvæljueɪt/","/ɪˈvæljueɪts/","/ɪˈvæljueɪtɪd/","/ɪˈvæljueɪtɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to form an opinion of the amount, value or quality of something after thinking about it carefully

In simple words: To judge or calculate the worth or quality of something.

Examples

  • The trial will evaluate the effectiveness of the different drugs.
  • Researchers evaluated teaching performance by comparing students' exam results.
  • The study will **critically evaluate** whether this technology is useful.
  • We need to evaluate how well the policy is working.
  • The cheeses are evaluated for flavour, texture and colour.
  • Candidates are evaluated on their ability to think independently.
  • The effects of changes in land use can be evaluated by analysis of flooding patterns.
  • The evidence should be carefully evaluated.
  • This does not seem an accurate way of evaluating employees' performance.

Usage notes

Used in academic and professional contexts, such as evaluating an essay or performance. Avoid in casual conversation about personal opinions.

Grammar pattern

evaluate + object

Memory hint

Think of 'evaluate' as 'value a late' decision carefully.

Collocations

  • effectively
  • fully
  • properly
  • aim to
  • attempt to
  • be designed to

Synonyms

  • assess
  • judge
  • appraise
  • examine
  • review

Antonyms

  • ignore
  • dismiss
  • overlook

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'assess', which has a slightly different meaning.
  • Using 'evaluate' without an object (it needs to evaluate something).
  • Overusing the word in informal contexts.