English Explanatory Dictionary

essay

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A written composition of moderate length, exploring a particular issue or subject.
  2. 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.

Pronunciation

/ˈɛs.eɪ/ /ɛˈseɪ/ En-us-essay.ogg

Word forms

essay essays essaying essayed

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.

Related words

assay essayist essayistic

Derived words

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