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How to pronounce assess

Say it like uh-SES. Assess has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SES).

VoiceSpeed

Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce assess. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.

US American/əˈsɛs/uh-SES
UK British/əˈsɛs/uh-SES
  • uh
  • SES
  • Main stress
  • Lighter stress
  • Unstressed

Assess pronunciation, sound by sound

Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.

  1. uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
  2. SESSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.

American vs British pronunciation of assess

American and British speakers say assess in essentially the same way: /əˈsɛs/ in the US and /əˈsɛs/ in the UK.

British respelling: uh-SES.

What does assess mean?

verb
  1. evaluate or estimate the nature, quality, ability, extent, or significance of“I will have the family jewels appraised by a professional”“access all the factors when taking a risk”
  2. charge (a person or a property) with a payment, such as a tax or a fine
  3. set or determine the amount of (a payment such as a fine)

Where does assess come from?

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”).

Similar and opposite words

Similar meaning

Words that rhyme with assess

Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of assess.

Questions about saying assess

How do you pronounce assess?

Say uh-SES. The American pronunciation is /əˈsɛs/. In British English it is /əˈsɛs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.

How many syllables are in assess?

Assess has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SES). Broken into parts: uh · SES.

Do Americans and Brits say assess the same way?

Almost exactly. The American form is /əˈsɛs/ and the British form is /əˈsɛs/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.

Pronunciation from CMUdict and Britfone; meaning from WordNet 3.1.