essay

es-say · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A short piece of writing on a particular subject, typically presenting the author's own views or arguments.

  2. 2.

    To attempt or try something.

  3. 3.

    A formal attempt or effort to do something.

Forms

plural: essays

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    essay question — a test question requiring a written response
  • •
    personal essay — an essay expressing the author's personal experiences
  • •
    photo essay — a series of photographs telling a story

Related words

See also: article, composition, dissertation, thesis
Synonyms: article, composition, dissertation, paper

Etymology

From Old French essai ("trial, attempt"), from Late Latin exagium ("a weighing, weight"), from Latin exigere ("to examine, weigh"). The literary form was popularized by Michel de Montaigne's Essais (1580), treating essays as "attempts" or "trials" of thought.