Quick Answer. In mathematics, the word evaluate is a verb that refers to finding or calculating the value of something. This can pertain to financial mathematics or to finding the exact value of an algebraic expression or numerical calculation. Evaluate is fairly synonymous with solve when used in mathematics. An example of wording is, Evaluate the cost of six tomatoes when the tomatoes are priced at $2 each. This is a simple multiplication problem where the student would multiply 6 by 2 for an answer of $12.