Essay
/ˈɛ.seɪ/noun
A short piece of writing on a particular subject.
Did you know?The term 'essay' originates from the French word 'essayer', which means 'to try' — reflecting the writer's attempt to express their thoughts!
Etymological Timeline
Late Latin
Latin
exagium
“A weighing or a weighing scale.”
14th Century
Old French
essayer
“To try, to test, to attempt.”
16th Century
French
essai
“A trial or attempt.”
17th Century
English
essay
“A composition or written attempt on a specific subject.”