Essay

Definition

Essay is a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to a short piece of writing on a particular subject, often presenting the author’s personal perspective or argument. As a verb, it means to attempt or try out.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɛˌseɪ/
• Respelling: EH-say

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɛseɪ/
• Respelling: EH-say

Etymology

The word "essay" originates from the French "essayer," meaning "to try" or "to attempt." This term came from the Late Latin "exagium," meaning "a weighing" or "a trial." The noun form evolved in English to refer to a short piece of writing used to express ideas or arguments, influenced by Michel de Montaigne’s 16th-century “Essais.”

Derivatives

• Essayist (noun)
• Essaying (verb)
• Essayed (verb)
• Essayistic (adjective)
• Re-essay (verb, rare)

Synonyms

• Composition
• Paper
• Article

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The noun "essay" is commonly used to describe short academic compositions, as in "He wrote an essay on environmental issues." As a verb, "essay" is less frequently used, meaning "to attempt" or "to try," as in "She essayed a difficult piano piece."

Related Terms

• Thesis: A statement or theory that is put forward as a premise to be maintained or proved.
• Critique: A detailed analysis or evaluation of a piece of writing.
• Dissertation: A lengthy piece of writing on a specific topic, often for a university degree.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A short piece of writing on a particular subject: Refers to a written work in which the author discusses, argues, or presents ideas about a specific topic.
  • Example: "The professor assigned an essay on the impacts of climate change."

Verb

• To attempt or try: Used to describe an effort to undertake or test something, often implying a sense of experimentation or exploration.
  • Example: "She essayed a new recipe for the dinner party."