essay - Dictionary Definition : Vocabulary.com

A composition that is usually short and has a literary theme is called an essay. You should probably start writing your essay on "To Kill a Mockingbird" sometime before the bus ride to school the day it is due.

As a noun, an essay is also an attempt, especially a tentative initial one. Your essay to make friends at your new school would probably work better if you actually spoke to other students. As a verb, to essay is to make an attempt. If you essay to run for student council, you might lose to the girl who promises more recess, longer lunches, and less homework.

PRIMARY MEANINGS OF: essay

1	n	an analytic or interpretive literary composition
2	v n	make an effort or attempt a tentative attempt
3	v	put to the test, as for its quality, or give experimental use to

FULL DEFINITIONS OF: essay

1

n an analytic or interpretive literary composition

Types:: show 5 types...; hide 5 types...; composition, paper, report, theme
an essay (especially one written as an assignment); disquisition
an elaborate analytical or explanatory essay or discussion; memoir
an essay on a scientific or scholarly topic; thanatopsis
an essay expressing a view on the subject of death; term paper
a composition intended to indicate a student's progress during a school term

Type of:: piece of writing, writing, written material
the work of a writer; anything expressed in letters of the alphabet (especially when considered from the point of view of style and effect)

2

v make an effort or attempt

“The infant had essayed a few wobbly steps”

Synonyms:: assay, attempt, seek, try

Types:: show 17 types...; hide 17 types...; pick up the gauntlet, take a dare
be dared to do something and attempt it; fight, struggle
make a strenuous or labored effort; give it a try, have a go
make an attempt at something; grope
search blindly or uncertainly; endeavor, endeavour, strive
attempt by employing effort; give it a try, give it a whirl
try; adventure, chance, gamble, hazard, risk, run a risk, take a chance, take chances
take a risk in the hope of a favorable outcome; lay on the line, put on the line, risk
expose to a chance of loss or damage; struggle
to exert strenuous effort against opposition; drive, labor, labour, push, tug
strive and make an effort to reach a goal; flounder
behave awkwardly; have difficulties; be at pains, take pains
try very hard to do something; buck
to strive with determination; go for broke
risk everything in one big effort; luck it, luck through
act by relying on one's luck; adventure, hazard, jeopardize, stake, venture
put at risk; bell the cat
take a risk; perform a daring act

Type of:: act, move
perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)

n a tentative attempt

Type of:: attempt, effort, endeavor, endeavour, try
earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something

3

v put to the test, as for its quality, or give experimental use to

Synonyms:: examine, prove, test, try, try out

Types:: control, verify
check or regulate (a scientific experiment) by conducting a parallel experiment or comparing with another standard; float
circulate or discuss tentatively; test the waters with; field-test
test something under the conditions under which it will actually be used

Type of:: evaluate, judge, pass judgment
form a critical opinion of