Question

Read the sentence from Samuel Johnson's preface to A Dictionary of the English Language.

I have studiously endeavoured to collect examples and authorities from the writers before the restoration, whose works I regard as the wells of English undefiled, as the pure sources of genuine diction.

Which words in the sentence help readers determine the meaning of the word undefiled?

studiously, endeavoured
examples, authorities
writers, restoration
pure, genuine

Answer 1

pure, genuine

These words immediately follow and restate "undefiled," acting as synonyms that clarify its meaning.