essay

• Texte écrit relativement court sur un sujet donné, souvent exprimant le point de vue personnel de l'auteur, et généralement demandé dans le cadre scolaire ou universitaire.

A short piece of writing on a particular subject, often written from the author's personal point of view, commonly assigned in academic settings.

1. Academic writingA2formal

   A short piece of writing on a particular subject, often written by students to demonstrate knowledge.

   Dissertation

   • She wrote an essay on climate change for her class.
   • The teacher assigned a 500-word essay on Shakespeare.
   • He spent the weekend researching for his history essay.

   Synonymesarticlecompositionpapertheme

2. B1formal

   A short literary composition on a particular theme or subject, usually in prose and generally analytic, speculative, or interpretative.

   essai (composition littéraire)

   • The author published a collection of personal essays.
   • Her essay on modern art was widely praised.
   • He wrote an essay about the meaning of happiness.

   Synonymesarticlecommentarycompositiondisquisitiondissertationpaperpiecereviewthesistreatise

• Verbe littéraire ou vieilli signifiant tenter ou essayer de faire quelque chose, faire un effort pour accomplir une action.

An archaic verb meaning to attempt or try; to make an effort to do something.

1. Attempt or tryB2formal

   To make an attempt or effort to do something.

   Tenter ou essayer

   • He essayed a difficult climb up the mountain.
   • She essayed to write a novel in her spare time.
   • The team essayed a new approach to solve the problem.

   Synonymesattemptendeavorseekstrivetryundertakeventure