Essays: meaning, definitions and examples

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essays

[ ˈɛseɪ ]

^{Context #1}

academic writing

Essays are short pieces of writing on a particular subject. They are usually non-fiction and can be formal or informal in style. Essays often present the author's own argument or interpretation.

Synonyms

articles, compositions, papers

Examples of usage

Students are required to write essays as part of their coursework.
Her essay on environmental conservation was well-researched and persuasive.

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literature

In literature, an essay is a short piece of writing that expresses the author's own thoughts and ideas. It can be a reflection on a specific topic or a response to a piece of literature.

Synonyms

composition, dissertation, piece

Examples of usage

Montaigne is known for popularizing the literary form of the essay.
She wrote an essay on the themes of love and loss in Shakespeare's sonnets.

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writing

To essay means to attempt or try something. It can also refer to the act of writing an essay.

Synonyms

attempt, try, undertake

Examples of usage

She will essay a new approach to the problem.
He essayed to write a novel in a month.

Translations

Translations of the word "essays" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ensaios

🇮🇳 निबंध

🇩🇪 Essays

🇮🇩 esai

🇺🇦 ессе

🇵🇱 eseje

🇯🇵 エッセイ

🇫🇷 essais

🇪🇸 ensayos

🇹🇷 denemeler

🇰🇷 수필

🇸🇦 مقالات

🇨🇿 eseje

🇸🇰 eseje

🇨🇳 论文

🇸🇮 eseji

🇮🇸 ritgerðir

🇰🇿 эсселер

🇬🇪 ესეები

🇦🇿 esseylər

🇲🇽 ensayos

Word origin

The word 'essay' comes from the French word 'essayer', which means 'to try' or 'to attempt'. The concept of the essay as a literary form dates back to the 16th century, with Michel de Montaigne often credited as one of the pioneers of the genre. Essays have since become a common form of academic and literary expression, allowing writers to explore ideas and arguments in a structured and thoughtful manner.