Main entry: essay
Definition: a tentative attempt
Main entry: essay
Definition: an analytic or interpretive literary composition
Main entry: essay, seek, assay, attempt, try
Definition: make an effort or attempt
Usage: He tried to shake off his fears; The infant had essayed a few wobbly steps; The police attempted to stop the thief; He sought to improve himself; She always seeks to do good in the world
Main entry: try, try out, test, prove, essay, examine
Definition: put to the test, as for its quality, or give experimental use to
Usage: This approach has been tried with good results; Test this recipe