Which can help readers define words

A. Etymological patterns
B. Pronunciations
C. Parts of speech
D. Stressed syllables

A. Etymological patterns

C. Parts of speech

Parts of speech can help readers define words because they categorize words based on their grammatical function and usage. Understanding the part of speech of a word can provide important information about its meaning and how it functions within a sentence.

The correct answer is C. Parts of speech can help readers define words.

Explanation: When trying to define a word, understanding its part of speech is crucial. The part of speech tells us how the word functions in a sentence, which in turn helps us understand its meaning.

To determine the part of speech of a word, you need to consider its role in a sentence and the context in which it is used. Here are a few common parts of speech and their definitions:

1. Noun: A word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea. For example, "dog," "book," or "happiness."

2. Verb: A word that expresses an action or state of being. For example, "run," "eat," or "is."

3. Adjective: A word that describes or modifies a noun. For example, "beautiful," "happy," or "tall."

4. Adverb: A word that describes or modifies a verb, adjective, or other adverb. For example, "quickly," "very," or "often."

By identifying the part of speech of a word, readers can gain insights into its meaning and usage. This understanding aids in defining words accurately and comprehensively. While etymological patterns, pronunciations, and stressed syllables can provide additional context and insights, they are not as directly related to defining words as understanding their part of speech.