essay essay /ˈɛˌseɪ/

noun

1. () An analytic or interpretive literary composition  ( essay )
   an analytic or interpretive literary composition
    I have to submit my essay on Shakespeare's sonnets by the end of the week
   I have to submit my essay on Shakespeare's sonnets by the end of the week
   
   
2. () A tentative attempt  ( essay )
   a tentative attempt
   

verb

1. () Make an effort or attempt  ( assay , essay , seek , attempt , try )
   make an effort or attempt
    He tried to shake off his fears
   He tried to shake off his fears
    The infant had essayed a few wobbly steps
   The infant had essayed a few wobbly steps
    The police attempted to stop the thief
   The police attempted to stop the thief
    He sought to improve himself
   He sought to improve himself
    She always seeks to do good in the world
   She always seeks to do good in the world
   
2. Put to the test, as for its quality, or give experimental use to  ( essay , prove , examine , test , try , try out )
   put to the test, as for its quality, or give experimental use to
    This approach has been tried with good results
   This approach has been tried with good results
    Test this recipe
   Test this recipe