'assessment' originates from the Latin word 'assessus,' which is the past participle of 'assidēre,' meaning 'to sit beside' or 'to assist.'

'assessus' transformed into the Old French word 'assesser,' and eventually became the modern English word 'assessment' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to sit beside or assist in judgment,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'evaluation or appraisal.'