Johnson's Dictionary and Its Impact

Samuel Johnson published 'A Dictionary of the English Language' in 1755, which became the definitive reference for English until the Oxford English Dictionary in 1888. Johnson's dictionary, containing 42,773 words, was a monumental achievement, completed in nine years. Despite its impact, it introduced spelling inconsistencies that persist today. Johnson acknowledged these issues, comparing dictionaries to watches, where even the best are imperfect.

When was 'A Dictionary of the English Language' published by Samuel Johnson?

• 20 March 1750

• 5 June 1745

• 10 May 1760

• 15 April 1755

Who is credited with creating the first true dictionary?

• Henry VIII

• Samuel Johnson

• Sir Thomas Elyot

• Walter Jackson Bate

Which dictionary eventually replaced Johnson's as the primary reference for the English language?

• Cambridge English Dictionary

• Merriam-Webster Dictionary

• Collins English Dictionary

• Oxford English Dictionary

In what year was the first Oxford English Dictionary published?

• 1875

• 1890

• 1900

• 1888

Who was Sir Thomas Elyot working for when he published his dictionary?

• Queen Victoria

• King James I

• King Henry VIII

• Queen Elizabeth I

How many years did it take Samuel Johnson to complete his dictionary?

• 9 years

• 7 years

• 5 years

• 11 years

How many words were included in Johnson's finished dictionary?

• 42,773 words

• 30,000 words

• 60,000 words

• 50,000 words

What was the modern equivalent of the payment Johnson received for his dictionary?

• £250,000

• £150,000

• £180,000

• £210,000

Which biographer described Johnson's work as 'one of the greatest single achievements of scholarship'?

• James Boswell

• Walter Jackson Bate

• David Hume

• Edward Gibbon

What was the primary purpose of Johnson's dictionary?

• To translate Latin texts

• To teach grammar

• To provide a comprehensive reference for English

• To create a new language