read the sentence from samuel johnsons preface to a dictionary of the english language. and such is the fate…

read the sentence from samuel johnsons preface to a dictionary of the english language. and such is the fate of hapless lexicography, that not only darkness, but light, impedes and distresses it; things may be not only too little, but too much known, to be happily illustrated. what is the best definition of the underlined word as it is used in the sentence? unlucky or unfortunate; pitiable unknown or unfamiliar; mysterious without intelligence; foolish without tenderness; harsh

read the sentence from samuel johnsons preface to a dictionary of the english language. and such is the fate of hapless lexicography, that not only darkness, but light, impedes and distresses it; things may be not only too little, but too much known, to be happily illustrated. what is the best definition of the underlined word as it is used in the sentence? unlucky or unfortunate; pitiable unknown or unfamiliar; mysterious without intelligence; foolish without tenderness; harsh

Answer

Brief Explanations:

In the context of the sentence about the difficult fate of lexicography, "hapless" means unlucky or unfortunate. The challenges faced by lexicographers are described as making their work pitiable.

Answer:

unlucky or unfortunate; pitiable