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Definition of essayist

essayist

/ˈɛs.eɪ.ɪst/
es · say · ist
Plural:essayists
•
Adjective:essayistic
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essayist Lexical Profile

essayist Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A writer who composes essays, especially as a literary genre or regular occupation.

Example

"The celebrated essayist published a new collection of reflections on modern culture and politics."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for essayist

• Nearby Words

esprit
esquire
essay
essayist
essen
essence
essential

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 17th century from 'essay'—derived from Middle French 'essai' meaning 'trial' or 'attempt,' popularized as a literary genre by Michel de Montaigne—combined with the agentive suffix '-ist'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Essayist. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/essayist
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