Question

understanding a texts historical significance
what was revolutionary about samuel johnsons dictionary of the english language?
it was the first dictionary to be compiled by a group of critics, poets, essayists, and biographers.
it was the first dictionary to include definitions of difficult or technical words.
it was the first english dictionary to use quotations from literature to illustrate word usage and development.

Explanation:

Samuel Johnson's Dictionary of the English Language was revolutionary because it was the first English dictionary to use quotations from literature to illustrate word usage and development. Previous dictionaries did not systematically use literary quotations in this way. The first option is incorrect as Johnson compiled it alone, not with a group. The second option is also wrong as earlier dictionaries had included difficult/technical words.

Answer:

It was the first English dictionary to use quotations from literature to illustrate word usage and development.