essay

Noun

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

Verb

1. (dated, transitive) To attempt or try.
2. (intransitive) To move forth, as into battle.

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈɛs.eɪ/

Etymology

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

Synonyms

composition

try

attempt

test

article

treatise

paper

thesis

assay

trial

dissertation

endeavor

try out

examine

experiment

prove

report

study

endeavour

sketch

work

disquisition

writing

quiz

seek

🔍

tryout

outline

effort

literary sketch

writings

research

go

bid

theme

discourse

survey

skit

try on

rehearsal

monograph

enterprise

search

item

case

editorial

draft

canvass

down

document

canvas