What is a sight word?

A sight word is defined as a word that is recognized and pronounced immediately, without the need for decoding or analysis. This immediate recognition is crucial for developing reading fluency, as it allows readers to process text more smoothly and focus on comprehension rather than getting bogged down in figuring out individual words. Sight words often include common words that frequently appear in written language, which are essential for young readers to learn so they can become proficient in reading.

The other options do not accurately reflect the concept of sight words; they refer to different aspects of language and reading. Recognizing sight words quickly helps to facilitate a smoother reading experience and aids in overall literacy development.