French word

essai

Pronunciation

IPA/esɛ/

Meaning

  • masculine nountry

Example

C'est le premier essai.

This is the first try.

Illustration for essai (try)

More examples

Elle est à l'essai dans l'entreprise.

She is on probation at the firm.

Core concept

A limited test in practice before accepting a method, product, or idea as suitable.

Common phrases

  • être à l'essai

    be on probation

  • faire un essai

    have a try

Similar words

tentative: One attempt made in order to accomplish a specific goal.
test: A test or inspection used to check performance or accuracy.
expérience: A real-world trial of a method or condition to observe its outcome or effect.

Definition in French

Tentative ponctuelle visant à tester l'efficacité ou l'adéquation d'une méthode, d'un produit ou d'une idée.

Word origin

Formed in the medieval French word family of essayer, essai names the act or result of putting something to a practical test.

Usage tips

  • The fixed expression mettre à l'essai means to put something on trial or test it, whereas à l'essai can describe a product or worker being evaluated temporarily.

Other meanings

  • testnoun
  • essaynoun
  • experimentnoun

Related words

Word lists with this word