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evaluate

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

Definition of evaluate

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
Other Words from evaluate Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about evaluate

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Other Words from evaluate

evaluative \ i-​ˈval-​yə-​ˌwā-​tiv How to pronounce evaluative (audio) , -​yü-​ˌā-​ \ adjective
evaluator \ i-​ˈval-​yə-​ˌwā-​tər How to pronounce evaluator (audio) , -​yü-​ˌā-​ \ 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

 Every player on this list is evaluated by two primary criteria. — Rob Mahoney, SI.com, "Top 100 NBA Players of 2020," 12 Sep. 2019 Montgomery County Fire officials said the firefighter had non-life-threatening injuries and that three civilians were evaluated but not transported to area hospitals. — Washington Post, "Fire damages two homes in Montgomery County, causes $1 million in damage," 11 Sep. 2019 Two mailroom workers reported shortness of breath, but the four employees otherwise exhibited no apparent life-threatening symptoms while being evaluated. — oregonlive, "Oregon prison building evacuated after powdery substance found in envelope," 11 Sep. 2019 Each leader was evaluated on their media reputation for innovation, social connections, track record for value creation and investor expectations for value creation. — NBC News, "Stephanie Ruhle: The shame of Forbes' sexist innovators list," 10 Sep. 2019 Foster went down on UT’s final defensive play and was evaluated Sunday. — Nick Moyle, ExpressNews.com, "Longhorns notebook: Texas expects RB Ingram to bounce back," 9 Sep. 2019 Peroni was sent to a hospital near Monza where he is being evaluated. — Fox News, "Formula 3 driver fractures vertebrae during violent airborne crash: report," 8 Sep. 2019 Workplaces are evaluated by their employees using a short, 24-question survey. — The Denver Post, "Denver Post’s ninth annual Top Workplaces contest begins," 8 Sep. 2019 The driver of the Explorer, Juan Hernandez Martinez, 27, of Melrose, was evaluated and released at the scene. — Forum News Service, Twin Cities, "Utility vehicle driver dies after collision with SUV in west-central Minnesota," 4 Sep. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'evaluate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of evaluate

1842, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for evaluate

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

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More Definitions for evaluate

evaluate

verb
How to pronounce evaluate (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of evaluate

: to judge the value or condition of (someone or something) in a careful and thoughtful way

See the full definition for evaluate in the English Language Learners Dictionary

evaluate

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

Kids Definition of evaluate

: to judge the value or condition of Our teacher is evaluating our math skills.

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