Pronunciation: [ˈɛse͡ɪ] (IPA) 
The word "essay" is spelled /ˈɛseɪ/ in phonetic transcription. The first syllable is pronounced with the short "e" sound as in "pet" /ɛ/, followed by the sound /s/ as in "see". The second syllable is pronounced with the long "a" sound as in "say" /eɪ/. The spelling of this word can be confusing due to the similarity in sound between the letters "e" and "a", but careful attention to pronunciation can help with accurate spelling.
An essay is a form of academic or scholarly writing that presents an argument, analysis, or interpretation of a specific topic or subject matter. It is usually a short piece of prose that expresses the writer's ideas and viewpoints on the chosen topic, providing a logical and coherent presentation of arguments and evidence.
Typically, an essay follows a specific structure, consisting of an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The introduction serves to introduce the topic and provide background information, as well as present a clear thesis statement that outlines the main argument or purpose of the essay. The body paragraphs then develop and support the thesis through the use of evidence, examples, and logical reasoning. Lastly, the conclusion summarizes the main points discussed and restates the thesis in a concise manner.
Essays can cover a wide range of subjects and can be written for different purposes, such as persuasive, argumentative, expository, or descriptive essays. Depending on the type of essay, the writer may employ various rhetorical devices and writing techniques to engage the reader and convey their message effectively.
Essays play a crucial role in academic settings as they demonstrate a student's understanding and mastery of a subject, as well as their ability to engage critically with the material. Additionally, essays are often used as a means of assessment in higher education, as they assess a student's analytical thinking, research skills, and ability to communicate their ideas in a structured and coherent manner.
An attempt; an endeavour; an effort; a trial or experiment; a written composition on a practical subject, less formal or extended than a treatise.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "essay" originated from the French verb "essayer", meaning "to try" or "to attempt". The term was first used in the late 15th century by French writer Michel de Montaigne, who popularized this literary form. Montaigne's collection of personal reflections and observations was titled "Essais", which translates to "attempts" or "trials". The etymology of the word "essay" reflects the original purpose of this writing style, as an individual's attempt or endeavor to explore a particular topic or express their thoughts on a subject.
