v. [f. Fr. évalu-er (see next sb.) + -ATE3.] trans. a. Math. To work out the ‘value’ of (a quantitative expression); to find a numerical expression for (any quantitative fact or relation). b. gen. To ‘reckon up,’ ascertain the amount of; to express in terms of something already known.
1842. W. Grove, Corr. Phys. Forces (ed. 6), 61. An attempt to evaluate numerically the mechanical equivalent of the thermal unit.
1874. W. Wallace, Hegel’s Logic, 86. God … must be known and evaluated in terms of thought.
1886. Ball, Story of Heavens, 527. No attempt can be made at present to evaluate the date of that epoch.
1890. Athenæum, 29 March, 407/3. The method of evaluating the absorption of different thicknesses by comparison with a polarizing photometer.
