'assessment' originates from the Latin word 'assessus,' which is the past participle of 'assidere,' meaning 'to sit beside' or 'to assist in the office of a judge.'

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

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