essay
To attempt or make an effort to do something, especially something difficult or challenging. It often implies a first trial or an experimental endeavor to see if a task can be accomplished.
Examples
3 of 5He decided to essay a smile despite the bad news.
He decided to attempt a smile despite the bad news.
The diplomat will essay to mediate the conflict between the two nations.
The diplomat will attempt to mediate the conflict between the two nations.
I might essay a joke to lighten the mood, but I'm not very funny.
I might try a joke to lighten the mood, but I'm not very funny.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the noun 'essay' as a 'trial' of your ideas on paper; therefore, to 'essay' as a verb is simply to 'trial' or 'try' an action.
Quick Quiz
The young pianist was nervous to ______ such a difficult concerto for her debut.
Correct!
The correct answer is: essay
Examples
He decided to essay a smile despite the bad news.
everydayHe decided to attempt a smile despite the bad news.
The diplomat will essay to mediate the conflict between the two nations.
formalThe diplomat will attempt to mediate the conflict between the two nations.
I might essay a joke to lighten the mood, but I'm not very funny.
informalI might try a joke to lighten the mood, but I'm not very funny.
In this chapter, the author will essay a new interpretation of the historical data.
academicIn this chapter, the author will attempt a new interpretation of the historical data.
The startup plans to essay a breakthrough in renewable energy storage next year.
businessThe startup plans to attempt a breakthrough in renewable energy storage next year.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
essay to do
to attempt to do
essay a role
to try out or perform a role
essay a beginning
to try to make a start
Often Confused With
Assay means to analyze the chemical composition of a substance (like gold), while essay (verb) means to attempt something.
Usage Notes
As a verb, 'essay' is quite formal and is more common in literature or high-level academic writing than in daily speech. It is frequently followed by a noun (e.g., essay a smile) or an infinitive (e.g., essay to climb).
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistake 'essay' solely for the noun meaning a piece of writing; remember that as a verb, the stress often shifts to the second syllable (es-SAY).
Memory Tip
Think of the noun 'essay' as a 'trial' of your ideas on paper; therefore, to 'essay' as a verb is simply to 'trial' or 'try' an action.
Word Origin
From the Old French 'essayer', which means 'to test' or 'to try out'.
Grammar Patterns
Quick Quiz
The young pianist was nervous to ______ such a difficult concerto for her debut.
Correct!
The correct answer is: essay
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
unknown
A1A person or thing that is not known, recognized, or familiar. It often refers to a mysterious situation or a person who has not yet achieved fame or success.
of
A1A preposition used to show a relationship between a part and a whole, or to indicate belonging and origin. It connects a noun or pronoun to another part of the sentence to specify which one or what kind.
in
A1A preposition used to indicate position within a container, a space, an area, or a period of time. It describes being surrounded by something or being inside the boundaries of a location.
it
A1A third-person singular pronoun used to refer to an object, animal, or situation that has already been mentioned or is clear from context. It is also frequently used as a dummy subject to talk about time, weather, or distance.
on
A1A preposition used to indicate that something is in a position above and supported by a surface. It is also used to indicate a specific day or date, or to show that a device is functioning.
as
A1A conjunction used to compare two things that are equal in some way. It is most commonly used in the pattern 'as + adjective/adverb + as' to show similarity.
this
A1Used to identify a specific person, thing, or idea that is physically close to the speaker or has just been mentioned. It can also refer to the present time or a situation that is currently happening.
by
A1A preposition used to show the method or means of doing something, or to identify the person or thing that performs an action. It frequently appears in passive sentences to indicate the agent or before modes of transport.
we
A1The word 'we' is a first-person plural pronoun used to refer to the speaker and one or more other people collectively. It is used as the subject of a sentence or clause.
or
A1A coordinating conjunction used to connect two or more possibilities or alternatives. it indicates that only one of the options is likely, required, or true.
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