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essay

es·say

essay

 
 
parts of speech:
noun, transitive verb
features:
Word Combinations (noun, verb), Word Explorer
part of speech: noun
pronunciation: e seI
definition 1: a short, usu. prose literary work that expresses the writer's ideas, feelings, and opinions on a particular subject.
His essay on the nature of language and culture is a classic.The assignment was to write an essay on one of the topics discussed in class.
synonyms:
article, composition, paper, theme
similar words:
commentary, critique, dissertation, editorial, report, thesis, tract, treatise
definition 2: an attempt to do something.
On their third essay, the climbers reached the mountain's summit.
synonyms:
attempt, effort, endeavor, try
similar words:
experiment, trial, undertaking, venture
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part of speech: transitive verb
pronunciation: e seI
inflections: essays, essaying, essayed
definition 1: to attempt; try.
I shall essay to explain this complex matter.
synonyms:
attempt, try, undertake
similar words:
dare, endeavor, risk, seek, venture
definition 2: to make a test of; subject to a trial.
synonyms:
assay, test, try
similar words:
analyze, assess, attempt, evaluate, examine, inspect, prove, scrutinize
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derivation: essayer (n.)
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  literature