Essay
ˈɛseɪ
Definitions
2 meaningsA short piece of writing on a particular subject.
ˈɛseɪ
She spent hours writing her history essay.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're explaining something you know really well to a friend. An essay is like that, but written down! You write it to share your thoughts about a topic, maybe history, animals, or even your favorite game. It's your way of showing what you know.
👶 For kids: A writing about a topic.
More Examples
The teacher assigned an essay about climate change.
His essay was well-researched and insightful.
How It's Used
"Students are often required to write essays on various topics."
"The newspaper published a thoughtful essay on the current political climate."
"Montaigne's essays are considered classics of the form."
To attempt; to make an effort or attempt to do something.
ɛˈseɪ
To attempt or try.
He essayed to open the door.
💡 Simply: Sometimes, when you're learning something new, you have to 'essay' at it. That just means trying! Like, you might essay to ride your bike without training wheels – giving it a shot!
👶 For kids: To try to do something.
More Examples
She essayed a polite response.
The artist essayed a new technique in her painting.
How It's Used
"She essayed a smile, though her heart was heavy."
"He essayed a diplomatic approach to the situation."
From French essai, meaning 'attempt' or 'trial,' from Old French essaier, 'to try, attempt,' from Vulgar Latin *exagiare, from Latin exigere, 'to drive out, examine.'
The term 'essay' has been used since the 16th century, initially as a way to describe informal, exploratory writings.
Memory tip
Think of an essay as a small trial or attempt to explain a topic.