Essay

/ˈɛseɪ/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A short piece of writing on a particular subject.

She wrote an essay on the effects of climate change for her environmental studies class.

A literary work that conveys the author's personal viewpoint.

The essay reflected his thoughts on the importance of education in modern society.

An attempt or effort to do something.

The comedian's essay on everyday life was both humorous and insightful.

verb

To attempt or try.

He decided to essay a new approach to solving the problem.

From Old French 'essayer' meaning 'to try.'

essay question

A question that prompts a written response, usually in an academic context.

submit an essay

To turn in a written piece for evaluation.

write an essay

To compose a written work on a specific topic.

writer

A person who writes, especially as a profession.

composition

The act of writing or the written work itself.

A piece of writing or assignment that can be easily procrastinated.

I have an essay due tomorrow, but I’m just going to binge-watch instead.

Referring to any written work casually.

I just cranked out this quick essay for class.