essay

An essay is a short piece of writing that expresses information as well as the writer’s opinion. (noun)

An example of an essay is a short paper about why smoking is bad for you.

To essay means to try something. (verb)

An example of to essay is to ask a date specific questions to see if they are a good match for you.

See essay in Webster's New World College Dictionary

transitive verb

noun

1. a trying or testing
2. an attempt; trial
a short literary composition of an analytical, interpretive, or reflective kind, dealing with its subject in a nontechnical, limited, often unsystematic way and, usually, expressive of the author's outlook and personality
a proposed design for a new postage stamp or piece of paper money

Related Forms:

See essay in American Heritage Dictionary 4

(ĕsˈāˌ, ĕ-sāˈ)

noun

(ĕsˈāˌ)
a. A short literary composition on a single subject, usually presenting the personal view of the author.
b. Something resembling such a composition: a photojournalistic essay.
A testing or trial of the value or nature of a thing: an essay of the students' capabilities.
An initial attempt or endeavor, especially a tentative attempt.