essay

Meaning

Noun

1. A written composition of moderate length, exploring a particular issue or subject.
2. (obsolete) A test, experiment; an assay.
3. An attempt.
4. A proposed design for a postage stamp or a banknote.

Verb

1. To attempt or try.
2. To move forth, as into battle.

Concepts

essay

composition

try

attempt

test

article

treatise

paper

thesis

dissertation

trial

assay

endeavor

examine

try out

experiment

prove

report

sketch

endeavour

study

outline

seek

tryout

disquisition

quiz

writing

work

literary sketch

writings

item

monograph

theme

effort

try on

rehearsal

research

search

survey

discourse

bid

enterprise

go

skit

exert oneself

literary composition

tentative assumption

something very small

comment

editorial

document

newsprint

account

display

exhibition

exposition

exposure

fair

show

statement

version

write up

sample

taste

noviciate

proof

tract

exam

mental test

mental testing

run

trial run

afflict

beset

strain

stress

explore

anatomize

canvas

canvass

case

check out

enquire

inspect

investigate

look into

peruse

scan

screen

screen out

sift

sound

vet

memoir

go for

have a go

strive

try for

business

company

crack

down

establishment

firm

fling

foray

offer

operation

pass

seeking

stab

draft

assignment

hunt

inquiry

investigation

manhunt

project

prospecting

pursuit

quest

feature story

probe

prosaic

prose

short

vignette

hidden meaning

literary works

labor

aspiration

exertion

lost cause

shot in the dark

struggle

the whole shooting match

willingness

check

prob

rehearse

sampler

testing and passing

try-out

chapter

section

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈɛs.eɪ/

Etymology

Since late 16th century, borrowed from Middle French essay, essai (“essay”), meaning coined by Montaigne in the same time, from the same words in earlier meanings 'experiment; assay; attempt', from Old French essay, essai, assay, assai, from Latin exagium (“weight; weighing, testing on the balance”), from exigere + -ium.