essay

English

/ˈɛˌseɪ/, /ɛˈseɪ/

noun
Definitions
  • (authorship) A written composition of moderate length, exploring a particular issue or subject.
  • (obsolete) A test, experiment; an assay.
  • (now) An attempt.
  • (philately) A proposed design for a postage stamp or a banknote.

Etymology

Borrowed from Middle French essay derived from Old French essay derived from Latin exagium (weighing, testing on the balance, weight).

Origin

Latin

exagium

Gloss

weighing, testing on the balance, weight

Concept
Semantic Field

Sense perception

Ontological Category

Person/Thing

Emoji
🏋️

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms