What does "essay" mean?
A written composition of moderate length, exploring a particular issue or subject.
Essay
/ˈɛs.eɪ/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A written composition of moderate length, exploring a particular issue or subject.
- Grammar: essay is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: academic assignment, acid test, aim, an article.
- Useful contrasts: short ditty, avoid, cease.
- Usage evidence: His essay gave only a superficial analysis of the problem, so it was a real surprise to him when he got the highest grade in the class.
How to use "essay"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "essay" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "essay" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "essay" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "essay" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "essay" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "academic assignment" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "essay", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A written composition of moderate length, exploring a particular issue or subject.
"In his first book since the 2008 essay collection Natural Acts: A Sidelong View of Science and Nature, David Quammen looks at the natural world from yet another angle: the search for the next human pandemic, what epidemiologists call “the next big one.”"
- 2 a tentative attempt wordnet
- 3 A test, experiment; an assay. obsolete
- 4 an analytic or interpretive literary composition wordnet
- 5 An attempt. archaic
"My first essay at getting employment was fruitless; but after no small number of mortifying rebuffs from various parties to whom I applied for assistance, I was at last rewarded by a comparative success."
Show 1 more definition
- 6 A proposed design for a postage stamp or a banknote.
Verb
- 1 To attempt or try. dated, transitive
"Shall we essay a walk on the promenade?"
- 2 make an effort or attempt wordnet
- 3 To move forth, as into battle. intransitive
- 4 put to the test, as for its quality, or give experimental use to wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"His essay gave only a superficial analysis of the problem, so it was a real surprise to him when he got the highest grade in the class."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "essay"?
Common synonyms include: academic assignment, acid test, aim, an article, apercu, approach.
How do you use "essay" in a sentence?
His essay gave only a superficial analysis of the problem, so it was a real surprise to him when he got the highest grade in the class.
How do you pronounce "essay"?
Pronounced /ˈɛs.eɪ/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
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.
Etymology 2
From Middle French essayer, essaier, from Old French essaiier, essayer, essaier, assaiier, assayer, assaier, from essay, essai, assay, assai (“attempt; assay; experiment”) as above.