Question

Read the excerpts from Samuel Johnson’s preface to A Dictionary of the English Language.

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

Which statement best describes the use of the underlined word in the excerpts?

Excerpt 1 recognizes the importance of word origins, but excerpt 2 suggests that studying word origins could be a waste of time.
Excerpt 1 recognizes the importance of word origins, and excerpt 2 suggests that etymology is more important than syntax.
Excerpt 1 questions the study of word origins, but excerpt 2 asserts the need to include etymology in dictionaries.
Excerpt 1 questions the study of word origins, and excerpt 2 insists that etymology is best studied over the course of one’s lifetime.

Answer 1

The first statement. Excerpt 1 acknowledges the value of tracing word origins, while excerpt 2 warns that such etymological inquiry can be speculative or a waste of time.