A Dictionary of the English Language

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A Dictionary of the English Language
Author	Samuel Johnson
Language	English
Publication Date	15 April 1755

A Dictionary of the English Language is a dictionary compiled by Samuel Johnson and published on 15 April 1755. It is among the most influential dictionaries in the history of the English language. Johnson's dictionary was not the first English dictionary, but it was the most comprehensive and detailed of its time, and it remained the preeminent English dictionary until the completion of the Oxford English Dictionary 150 years later.

Background

Before Johnson's work, English dictionaries were generally simple lists of words with brief definitions. Johnson's dictionary was the first to comprehensively document the English language, providing not only definitions but also examples of usage, etymologies, and notes on pronunciation.

The project was commissioned by a group of London booksellers who were concerned about the lack of a comprehensive English dictionary. Johnson was paid 1,500 guineas, a substantial sum at the time, to complete the work. He began the project in 1746 and completed it in 1755, working largely alone with the help of a few assistants.

Structure and Content

Johnson's dictionary contained 42,773 entries, each with a detailed definition. The entries were illustrated with literary quotations, which Johnson used to demonstrate the words' meanings and usage. These quotations were drawn from a wide range of sources, including William Shakespeare, John Milton, and Alexander Pope.

The dictionary was notable for its wit and humor. Johnson often included personal commentary in his definitions, which added a unique character to the work. For example, he defined "oats" as "a grain, which in England is generally given to horses, but in Scotland supports the people."

Impact and Legacy

Johnson's dictionary had a profound impact on the English language and lexicography. It standardized English spelling and usage, and it influenced the development of future dictionaries. The dictionary was widely praised for its scholarship and depth, and it established Johnson as one of the leading intellectuals of his time.

The dictionary also had a significant cultural impact. It was a symbol of the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason and knowledge, and it reflected the growing importance of the English language in global affairs.

Criticisms

Despite its many strengths, Johnson's dictionary was not without its critics. Some contemporaries criticized it for its perceived biases and inaccuracies. Johnson's definitions were sometimes subjective, and his etymologies were not always accurate by modern standards. However, these criticisms did little to diminish the dictionary's reputation and influence.

Also see

• Samuel Johnson
• Lexicography
• Oxford English Dictionary
• History of the English language
• William Shakespeare