essay

A short piece of writing that discusses a particular subject.

• I have an essay to write.
• His essay discusses life in a small town.
• Have you finished your history essays?

How to use it: essay on/about something (She wrote an essay on urban life.)

Similar words: composition

Common phrases: write an essay, essay on something, short essay

To try to do something, especially something difficult.

• She essayed a difficult role.
• The young poet essayed a longer work.
• He essayed to cross the frozen river.

How to use it: essay to do something (He essayed to speak, but his voice failed.)

Similar words: attempt, try

Common phrases: essay something, essay a role, essay a task

To move forward, especially towards a battle.

• The soldiers essayed forth.
• At dawn, the army essayed into battle.
• The knights essayed towards the enemy ranks.

Similar words: advance, move forward

Opposites: retreat

Common phrases: essay forth, essay into battle