Question

samuel johnsons dictionary is best described as the first
study of word origins.
collection of word meanings.
modern english dictionary
modern literary study

Explanation:

Samuel Johnson's A Dictionary of the English Language (1755) was a comprehensive work that defined words, provided usage examples from literature (making it literary - in - nature), and had a significant impact on the English language. It was not just a simple collection of word meanings as it had more depth with literary citations. The study of word origins (etymology) was not its main focus. While it was an important dictionary, the term "modern English dictionary" is too broad. It is best described as a modern literary dictionary because of its use of literary sources for definitions and examples.

Answer:

modern literary dictionary