Who said “Every quotation contributes something to the stability or enlargement of the language.”?

Verified

Samuel Johnson. A published source records them saying or writing it.

SourceA Dictionary of the English Language (1755), Preface

Evidence: Wikiquote · How we check

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Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: A Dictionary of the English Language (1755), Preface.

APA

Johnson, S. (n.d.). Every quotation contributes something to the stability or enlargement of the language. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/23574-every-quotation-contributes-something-to-the-stability-or/

MLA

Johnson, Samuel. “Every quotation contributes something to the stability or enlargement of the language.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/23574-every-quotation-contributes-something-to-the-stability-or/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Johnson, Samuel. “Every quotation contributes something to the stability or enlargement of the language.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/23574-every-quotation-contributes-something-to-the-stability-or/.