Question

Read the excerpts from Samuel Johnson’s preface to A Dictionary of the English Language. In both excerpts, the word endeavour means to probe, investigate, or examine. make an effort or attempt, or to try. judge harshly or criticize. overlook, ignore, or neglect.

Answer 1

Answer: make an effort or attempt, or to try.

The word "endeavour" means to try something, or to make an effort for something. It can also be used as a noun to refer to some prolonged effort or enterprise.

Ex.

As a verb: "He is endeavouring to improve the life of those children."

As a noun: "Reducing emissions is a long-term endeavour"

Answer 2

I believe the answer is B make an effort or attempt, or to try.