Essay Meaning
Essay Definition & Usage
A short piece of writing on a particular subject, often reflecting personal views, analysis, or arguments.
Examples
- "She submitted her essay on climate change to the professor."
- "The students were asked to write a 500-word essay on their summer vacation."
- "His essay argued that technology is reshaping education in unexpected ways."
- "In her final essay, Maria explored the theme of identity in modern literature."
- "The essay contest asked participants to reflect on their vision for a sustainable future."
A literary form used to express a point of view or argument, typically in a more formal, structured manner.
Examples
- "Michel de Montaigne is often considered the father of the modern essay."
- "The essay as a genre allows for a deeper exploration of complex philosophical ideas."
- "Many 19th-century writers used the essay to address social and political issues."
- "He wrote a famous essay on the role of the artist in society."
- "In his essay 'Self-Reliance,' Emerson urged readers to trust their inner voice."
To attempt or try something, often with a sense of experimentation or effort.
Examples
- "He decided to essay a new approach to solving the problem."
- "She essays her thoughts carefully, choosing her words with precision."
- "The artist essays a bold new style in her latest collection."
- "They essayed a long journey to reach the distant mountains."
- "We should essay a new method for conducting the experiment next time."
Cultural Context
The essay as a written form traces back to the 16th century, with French philosopher Michel de Montaigne being one of its pioneers. Over time, essays have evolved to cover a vast range of subjects, from personal reflections to deep philosophical explorations, becoming a staple of both academic work and popular culture. The term 'essay' itself comes from the French word 'essayer,' meaning 'to attempt' or 'to try,' reflecting the idea that an essay is an exploration or trial of ideas.
The Essay That Changed Everything
Story
The Essay That Changed Everything
It was late in the evening when Emma sat down at her desk, the glowing light from her lamp casting shadows on the pages before her. Her essay on the effects of technology on human interaction was due tomorrow, but she couldn't bring herself to write the final paragraph. She had spent days researching, analyzing, and debating her thoughts, but the words just wouldn't come together. Her mind kept wandering back to a particular passage she had read in an old book of essays by Ralph Waldo Emerson. Emerson had written about self-reliance and the importance of trusting one's instincts, and that had given Emma a new perspective on her own life. She reflected on how technology, for all its convenience, had distanced people from the true nature of human connection. That night, her essay took on a life of its own. She was no longer just writing to meet a deadline; she was exploring her own ideas, testing them, and refining them as she went. The next day, she submitted the essay, unsure of how it would be received. It felt different from the others she had written — more personal, more authentic. Weeks later, when she received her grade, the professor's comment struck her: 'This is more than just an essay. It's a thoughtful exploration of a profound issue.' Inspired by her professor’s feedback, Emma began to write more essays, delving deeper into her thoughts and ideas. Her writing took on new meaning, and soon, she was submitting essays to journals, some of which were published. Her 'essay' on technology had become the catalyst for a journey she never imagined, one where her thoughts and reflections could shape the conversation around the future of human interaction. As Emma sat at her desk years later, drafting another article, she smiled to herself. What started as an academic assignment had led her to a career as a writer and thought leader. She had learned to 'essay' not just on paper, but in life, constantly testing, exploring, and refining her understanding of the world.