Meaning: 'Lexicography' means the practice of writing, editing, or compiling dictionaries.

Wrong options:

• collography: Collography refers to a method of printing, which is unrelated to dictionary compilation and does not fit contextually or grammatically.
• calligraphy: Calligraphy is the art of beautiful handwriting, which does not relate to the principles of dictionary-making and is therefore irrelevant here.
• stenography: Stenography is a method of shorthand writing, which is not applicable in the context of dictionary principles.

Correct answer: bulk

Explanation: The word 'bulk' refers to the size or mass of something, which is appropriate in this context as it contrasts with the precision of definitions. It fits grammatically as a noun and contextually emphasizes that Johnson's dictionary was not larger in size but superior in quality.

Meaning: 'Bulk' means the large size or mass of something, often used to compare quantity or volume.

Wrong options:

• stock: Stock refers to a supply of goods or a collection of words, which does not fit the context of comparing size or mass.
• stand: Stand is a verb meaning to be in an upright position, which does not relate to the context of size or quality of dictionaries.
• gross: Gross typically refers to something total or overall, which does not accurately convey the intended meaning of size in this context.

Correct answer: exemplified

Explanation: The word 'exemplified' means to illustrate or clarify by giving an example, which fits perfectly in the context of the sentence discussing how quotations demonstrate the meanings of words. It is grammatically correct as a verb and contextually appropriate as it describes the function of the citations.

Meaning: 'Exemplified' means to serve as an example or to illustrate something clearly.

Wrong options:

• tempted: Tempted means to entice or attract, which does not fit the context of illustrating meanings.
• exorted: Exorted is a misspelling of 'exhorted,' which means to strongly encourage or urge, and does not relate to the function of citations in this context.
• assorted: Assorted means varied or mixed, which does not convey the idea of illustrating or demonstrating meanings.

Correct answer: contemporary

Explanation: The word 'contemporary' refers to something that exists or occurs at the same time as something else, which is fitting in the context of discussing the language usage of the time. It is grammatically correct as an adjective and contextually relevant as it describes the language of London during Johnson's era.

Meaning: 'Contemporary' means belonging to or occurring in the present time, or existing at the same time as something else.

Wrong options:

• statutory: Statutory refers to something related to laws or statutes, which does not fit the context of language usage.
• temporary: Temporary means lasting for only a limited period, which does not accurately describe the ongoing nature of language in this context.
• tertiary: Tertiary means third in order or level, which is irrelevant to the discussion of language usage.

Correct answer: prevailing

Explanation: The word 'prevailing' means existing or most common at a particular time, which fits well in the context of discussing the ideas and resources incorporated into Johnson's dictionary. It is grammatically correct as an adjective and contextually appropriate as it describes the dominant ideas of the time.

Meaning: 'Prevailing' means having the most influence or being the most widespread at a given time.

Wrong options:

• grating: Grating means harsh or irritating, which does not fit the context of discussing ideas in a positive light.
• narrating: Narrating refers to telling a story or recounting events, which is not relevant to the context of dictionary compilation.
• mailing: Mailing refers to sending letters or packages, which is unrelated to the discussion of ideas and resources in lexicography.