Question

Who among the following compiled a notable dictionary of English language?

• A. Ben Johnson
• B. Coleridge
• C. Dr. Johnson
• D. Matthew Arnold

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Dr. Johnson

Samuel Johnson's Dictionary

• Samuel Johnson (1709-1784) was an English writer who made major contributions to English literature as a poet, essayist, literary critic, biographer, and lexicographer.
• His most famous work is A Dictionary of the English Language, published in 1755. This was the most comprehensive and influential English dictionary of its time.
• Significance of Johnson's Dictionary:
  • It was the first dictionary to provide detailed etymologies (origins of words) and illustrative quotations from English literature to show how words were used.
  • Johnson's definitions were known for their wit, clarity, and often opinionated style, reflecting his personality.
  • The dictionary took him about nine years to compile, during which he worked largely alone.
  • It set a standard for lexicography and remained the leading English dictionary for over a century until the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) began to be compiled.
• Impact on English Language: Johnson's dictionary helped to standardize English spelling and grammar, and his definitions influenced how words were understood and used for generations.
• Other Notable Works by Johnson:
  • The Lives of the Poets (biographies of English poets)
  • Rasselas (a philosophical romance)
  • Numerous essays and poems, including The Vanity of Human Wishes.
• Competitive Exam Relevance: Questions often appear in literature and general knowledge exams, focusing on the date of publication (1755), its impact on lexicography, and Johnson's role in standardizing the English language.