Question

read the excerpts from samuel johnson’s 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 hopes that his dictionary will enlighten the uneducated. seeks literary recognition for his publication. strives to emphasize the effort his dictionary required.

Explanation:

The underlined word is "laboured". Johnson describes his efforts (settling orthography, displaying analogy, etc.) to be a faithful lexicographer. The option "strives to emphasize the effort his dictionary required" matches, as "laboured" shows the work put into the dictionary. Other options: enlightening uneducated isn't tied to "laboured"; seeking literary recognition isn't suggested by the effort description; economic importance is irrelevant.

Answer:

strives to emphasize the effort his dictionary required.