essay

Pluralessays

Formsessays, essaying, essayed

1. 1
   nouncountable

   A short piece of writing that looks closely at one topic or idea.

   Like a short walk through one idea, with a start, a middle, and an end.

   She wrote an essay about why dogs make good pets.

   The magazine printed a long essay on life in big cities.

   Similararticle, piece, composition, paper

   Note
2. 2
   verbdatedtransitive

   To try to do something hard or new.

   Like taking your first step onto a wobbly bridge to see if you can cross.

   She decided to essay the steep climb despite her fear.

   He retraced his steps to the front gate, which he essayed to open.

   1900, Charles W. Chesnutt, The House Behind the CedarsHere, essayed means tried.

   Similarattempt, try, venture, undertake

   Note
3. 3
   nounarchaic

   A try at doing something.

   Like trying something once just to see how it goes.

   His first essay at baking bread did not go well.

   This was Lee's first essay in the kind of offensive-defensive strategy that was to become his hallmark.

   1988, James McPherson, Battle Cry of FreedomHere, essay means an attempt or try.

   Note
4. 4
   nouncountable

   A trial design made for a stamp or paper money before it is printed.

   Like a first sketch of a stamp, made to test the idea before any are printed.

   The collector framed a rare essay for the unissued stamp.

   Each essay in the album shows a design the postal service rejected.

   Similardesign

   Note
5. 5
   verbintransitive

   To move forward, as soldiers do when going into battle.

   Like stepping out of a safe place to face something head-on.

   At the captain's command, the soldiers essay forth into the field.

   The cavalry essayed boldly toward the ridge.

   Similaradvance, venture, charge

   Oppositeretreat, withdraw

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