essay

²es·say

noun
\ˈe-ˌsā; senses 1, 2 & 4 also e-ˈsā\

Definition of ESSAY

1

: trial, test

2

a : effort, attempt; especially : an initial tentative effort b : the result or product of an attempt

3

a : an analytic or interpretative literary composition usually dealing with its subject from a limited or personal point of view b : something resembling such a composition <a photographic essay>

4

: a proof of an unaccepted design for a stamp or piece of paper money

Examples of ESSAY

1. Your assignment is to write a 500-word essay on one of Shakespeare's sonnets.
2. The book is a collection of his previously unpublished essays on a variety of topics.

Origin of ESSAY

Middle French essai, ultimately from Late Latin exagium act of weighing, from Latin ex- + agere to drive — more at agent

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to ESSAY

Synonyms: article, composition, paper, theme

Related Words: causerie; column, commentary, editorial, feature, report, review, write-up; dissertation, thesis; tract, treatise; discourse, discussion, exposition, prolegomenon, study

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