To help readers define words, "etymological patterns" can be particularly useful. Etymology provides insight into the origin and development of a word, which can aid in understanding its meaning. However, each of the options provided can contribute to defining words in different ways:
- Stressed syllables can help with pronunciation but do not directly aid in defining.
- Pronunciations assist in saying the word correctly but do not define it.
- Parts of speech indicate how a word functions in a sentence, which can aid in understanding its meaning but does not give a definition.
Therefore, while all options can assist in understanding language, "etymological patterns" is the clearest choice for defining words.