Question

read the excerpts from samuel johnsons preface to a dictionary of the english language.

thus have i laboured by settling the orthography, displaying the analogy, regulating the structures, and ascertaining the signification of english words, to perform all the parts of a faithful lexicographer: but i have not always executed my own scheme, or satisfied my own expectations.

the underlined word emerges as a key term in the preface because johnson

○ hints at the economic importance of his dictionary.

○ hopes that his dictionary will enlighten the uneducated.

○ seeks literary recognition for his publication.

○ strives to emphasize the effort his dictionary required.

Explanation:

The word "laboured" in the text implies hard work. Johnson is describing the efforts he put into creating the dictionary (settling orthography, displaying analogy, etc.). The option about emphasizing the effort (strives to emphasize the effort his dictionary required) aligns with the meaning of "laboured" as showing the work involved. The other options (economic importance, enlightening uneducated, seeking literary recognition) are not related to the connotation of hard - work that "laboured" conveys.

Answer:

strives to emphasize the effort his dictionary required.