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essayistic

American  
[es-ey-is-tik] / ˌɛs eɪˈɪs tɪk /

adjective

  1. of, relating to, or like an essay, especially in style, format, or organization and often in reflecting a more personal approach than a treatise, thesis, or the like.

  2. resembling formal exposition.

  3. expository; discursive; explanatory.


Etymology

Origin of essayistic

First recorded in 1860–65; essay + -istic

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Biographical and essayistic, “A Photographic Memory” suggests both a woman interested in locating her remarkable mother, gone too soon, and an artist exploring her own place.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 13, 2025

But also I really loved how Nellie was going about this story, which was kind of more essayistic.

From Salon • Mar. 29, 2024

In Taipei-born filmmaker S. Leo Chiang’s essayistic short, that island — battle-scarred, mythical and touristy — is also a symbol of his mixed feelings about nationality.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 19, 2024

Sen, who describes his style as "cinematic, creative, essayistic", used tools from fiction films, such as mounting cameras on cranes and tracks, to make this non-fiction story.

From Reuters • Feb. 13, 2023

In the instance of Beethoven the critical or essayistic side is limited.

From Library of the World's Best Literature, Ancient and Modern — Volume 4 by Mabie, Hamilton Wright

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