essay (english) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

Noun

Phonetic Transcription

/ˈɛseɪ/

Meaning and Usage

The word "essay" refers to a short piece of writing on a particular subject, often expressing the author's personal point of view. In academia, essays are typically formal and structured, exploring a thesis or argument supported by evidence. "Essay" can be used in both oral speech and written contexts, but it is more prevalent in written forms, especially in educational settings.

Example Sentences

1. I wrote an essay on climate change for my environmental science class.
   (Ich habe einen Aufsatz über den Klimawandel für meinen Umweltwissenschaftskurs geschrieben.)

2. The professor assigned an essay that must be submitted by next week.
   (Der Professor hat einen Aufsatz aufgegeben, der bis nächste Woche eingereicht werden muss.)

3. Her essay received high praise for its thorough research and clear arguments.
   (Ihr Aufsatz erhielt viel Lob für seine gründliche Recherche und klaren Argumente.)

Idiomatic Expressions

The term "essay" is not typically featured in many idiomatic expressions; however, it is often used in contexts relating to written assignments.

1. To write an essay on a topic

2. Before you can discuss it, you should really write an essay on the topic.
   (Bevor du darüber sprechen kannst, solltest du wirklich einen Aufsatz zu diesem Thema schreiben.)

3. An essay into the unknown

4. His travel book is more an essay into the unknown than a guide.
   (Sein Reiseführer ist mehr ein Aufsatz ins Unbekannte als ein Reiseführer.)

5. A reflective essay

6. She wrote a reflective essay on her experiences abroad.
   (Sie schrieb einen reflektierenden Aufsatz über ihre Erfahrungen im Ausland.)

7. Essay competition

8. He entered an essay competition and won first prize.
   (Er nahm an einem Aufsatzwettbewerb teil und gewann den ersten Preis.)

9. An academic essay

10. The rules for an academic essay are often rigid and strict.
    (Die Regeln für einen akademischen Aufsatz sind oft streng und starr.)

Etymology

The word "essay" comes from the Middle French word essayer, meaning "to attempt" or "to try". It was first used in English in the late 16th century, notably by the French writer Michel de Montaigne, who popularized the term with his collection of writings titled "Essais".

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms:
- Article
- Composition
- Paper
- Treatise
- Dissertation

Antonyms:
- Summary
- Excerpt
- Abstract
- Brief