Definition

A person who writes essays, which are short pieces of writing on a particular subject.

Example

The essayist shared her thoughts on the importance of education in her latest article.

Conversation

Have you read any work by that famous essayist recently?

Yeah, I just finished one of their collections, and it was really thought-provoking.

I love how an essayist can express complex ideas so clearly.

Absolutely! It makes you see things from a whole new perspective.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Essayist → It is formed from "essayer" (from Old French, meaning to try or attempt) and "-ist" (meaning a person who). An essayist is a person who attempts to express thoughts or ideas in written form, typically in essays.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who 'tries' ('essayer') to express their ideas in writing — that's what an essayist does.

Visually Confused Words