evaluate

verb

eval·​u·​ate i-ˈval-yə-ˌwāt How to pronounce evaluate (audio)
-yü-ˌāt
evaluated; evaluating

transitive verb

1
: to determine or fix the value of
2
: to determine the significance, worth, or condition of usually by careful appraisal and study
evaluative adjective
evaluator noun
Choose the Right Synonym for evaluate

estimate, appraise, evaluate, value, rate, assess mean to judge something with respect to its worth or significance.

estimate implies a judgment, considered or casual, that precedes or takes the place of actual measuring or counting or testing out.

estimated the crowd at two hundred

appraise commonly implies the fixing by an expert of the monetary worth of a thing, but it may be used of any critical judgment.

having their house appraised

evaluate suggests an attempt to determine relative or intrinsic worth in terms other than monetary.

evaluate a student's work

value equals appraise but without implying expertness of judgment.

a watercolor valued by the donor at $500

rate adds to estimate the notion of placing a thing according to a scale of values.

a highly rated restaurant

assess implies a critical appraisal for the purpose of understanding or interpreting, or as a guide in taking action.

officials are trying to assess the damage

Examples of evaluate in a Sentence

We need to evaluate our options. evaluate a training program as effective
Recent Examples on the Web He was taken to be evaluated and medically cleared before deputies booked him into jail on suspicion of several felonies, including robbery, assault with a firearm and being a felon in possession of a gun. Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Mar. 2024 Such consideration, if any, will be unilaterally determined by the government only after your client's proffer is evaluated. Tresa Baldas, Detroit Free Press, 21 Mar. 2024 Over the next several months educators will evaluate how much more any pay to play or participate fees will increase. Sue Kiesewetter, The Enquirer, 20 Mar. 2024 The rankings developed for the report are based on survey data from the Gallup World Poll, which includes a section asking individuals to evaluate their lives and emotions. Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2024 Being willing to listen, evaluate and make sense of what others want will bring about better decisions. Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 20 Mar. 2024 Here are some suggestions to help you get started: Self-reflect and evaluate: Take some time for introspection to identify the dissatisfying aspects of your career. Johnny C. Taylor Jr., USA TODAY, 19 Mar. 2024 The 2016 law required the EPA to evaluate chemicals and put in place protections against unreasonable risks. Matthew Daly, Quartz, 18 Mar. 2024 Also, examine the battery life, which will determine the length of play before recharge or replacement. Durability: Consider durability when evaluating a potential purchase. Alesandra Dubin, Parents, 18 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'evaluate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from evaluation, from French évaluation, from Middle French evaluacion, from esvaluer to evaluate, from e- + value value

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of evaluate was in 1842

Dictionary Entries Near evaluate

Cite this Entry

“Evaluate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/evaluate. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

evaluate

verb
eval·​u·​ate i-ˈval-yə-ˌwāt How to pronounce evaluate (audio)
evaluated; evaluating
1
: to find the value of
evaluate a mathematical expression
2
: to decide the value or worth of after study
evaluate a new program
evaluation noun
evaluative adjective
evaluator noun

More from Merriam-Webster on evaluate

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