Essay
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Pronunciation /ˈɛs.eɪ/ · Part of speech noun
Quick meaning: Essay is a noun meaning (publishing) A written composition of moderate length, exploring a particular issue or subject.
Meaning
(publishing) A written composition of moderate length, exploring a particular issue or subject.
More Meanings
- (now rare) An attempt.
- (philately, finance) A proposed design for a postage stamp or a banknote.
- (intransitive) To move forth, as into battle.
- (obsolete) A test, experiment; an assay.
- (dated, transitive) To attempt or try.
Example Sentences
Shall we essay a walk on the promenade?
He retraced his steps to the front gate, which he essayed to open.
This was Lee's first essay in the kind of offensive-defensive strategy that was to become his hallmark.
They, at least, had talked about it. And however full of death and darkness their accounts had been, they'd at least essayed a certain personal honesty.
Word Forms
- essays
- essaying
- essayed
Synonyms for essay
Depending on context, synonyms include assay, examine, attempt, seek, prove, test.
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include try out, examine, prove, test, seek, assay.
Related Dictionary Tools
Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.