English dictionary



Hint: Wildcards can be used multiple times in a query.

English noun: essay

1. essay (communication) an analytic or interpretive literary composition


Broader (hypernym)piece of writing, writing, written material


Narrower (hyponym)composition, disquisition, memoir, paper, report, thanatopsis, theme

2. essay (act) a tentative attempt


Broader (hypernym)attempt, effort, endeavor, endeavour, try


English verb: essay

1. essay (social) make an effort or attempt


SamplesHe tried to shake off his fears.
The infant had essayed a few wobbly steps.
The police attempted to stop the thief.
He sought to improve himself.
She always seeks to do good in the world.


ExamplesThey essay to move


Synonymsassay, attempt, seek, try


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something.
Somebody ----s to INFINITIVE


Broader (hypernym)act, move


Narrower (hyponym)adventure, chance, endeavor, endeavour, fight, gamble, give it a try, give it a try, give it a whirl, grope, have a go, hazard, lay on the line, pick up the gauntlet, put on the line, risk, risk, run a risk, strive, struggle, take a chance, take a dare, take chances

2. essay (social) put to the test, as for its quality, or give experimental use to


SamplesThis approach has been tried with good results.
Test this recipe.


Synonymsexamine, prove, test, try, try out


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something


Broader (hypernym)evaluate, judge, pass judgment


Narrower (hyponym)control, field-test, float, verify









Based on WordNet 3.0 copyright © Princeton University.
Web design: Orcapia v/Per Bang. English edition: .
2024 onlineordbog.dk