1. Formal Writing: This is the most common meaning. An essay is a piece of writing that presents an argument, discusses a topic, or analyzes something. It typically follows a specific structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
2. Attempt or Try: This meaning is less common, but it refers to trying something, often with the implication that it might be difficult. For example, you might say "I'm going to essay a new recipe" or "I'll essay a solution to the problem."
3. Informal Term: Sometimes, "essay" is used informally to refer to any kind of short written piece, even if it doesn't follow a formal structure.
Origin: The word "essay" comes from the French word "essai," which means "trial" or "attempt." The first person to use the term "essay" in English was Michel de Montaigne in the 16th century.
So, the meaning of "essay" can vary depending on the context, but it generally refers to a written piece exploring a particular subject.