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Essayist: meaning, definitions and examples

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essayist

 

[ ˈɛseɪɪst ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

writing profession

An essayist is a writer who composes essays, which are short pieces of writing on a particular subject, that express the author's point of view. Essayists often explore complex ideas, social issues, or personal experiences. They contribute to various forms of literature and often provoke thought or discussion with their writing.

Synonyms

author, thinker, writer

Examples of usage

  • The essayist argued passionately about climate change.
  • Famous essayists like Virginia Woolf and James Baldwin shaped literary movements.
  • Many students aspire to become essayists to share their perspectives.
  • An essayist's style can deeply influence readers' opinions.

Translations

Translations of the word "essayist" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ensaísta

🇮🇳 निबंधकार

🇩🇪 Essayist

🇮🇩 esais

🇺🇦 есеїст

🇵🇱 eseista

🇯🇵 エッセイスト

🇫🇷 essayiste

🇪🇸 ensayista

🇹🇷 denemeci

🇰🇷 수필가

🇸🇦 كاتب مقالة

🇨🇿 eseista

🇸🇰 eseista

🇨🇳 散文作家

🇸🇮 eseist

🇮🇸 ritgerðarmaður

🇰🇿 эссеист

🇬🇪 ესეისტი

🇦🇿 müəllif

🇲🇽 ensayista

Word origin

The term 'essayist' derives from the French word 'essayer', meaning 'to try' or 'to attempt', which was first used by the writer Michel de Montaigne in the 16th century. His work, 'Essais', is one of the earliest examples of the personal essay as a genre. Montaigne's essays were characterized by their conversational style and explorations of the self, laying the groundwork for future essayists who would navigate similar themes. Over time, the term has come to refer to any writer who engages in the practice of essay writing, but it also carries connotations of a more reflective and critical approach to writing about various subjects. In the 19th and 20th centuries, essayists like Ralph Waldo Emerson and George Orwell further established the importance of the essay in literature and journalism, showcasing its ability to influence public opinion and offer deep insights into human nature and society.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,321, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.