essay

/ˈɛsɛɪ/

/ˈɛsɛɪ/

Other forms: essays; essayed; essaying

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.

Definitions of essay

1. noun

   an analytic or interpretive literary composition
   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. verb

   make an effort or attempt
   “The infant had essayed a few wobbly steps”

   synonyms: assay, attempt, seek, try

   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

   strive, struggle

   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)
3. noun

   a tentative attempt
   type of:

   attempt, effort, endeavor, endeavour, try

   earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
4. verb

   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