What are high-frequency words?

High-frequency words are defined as those that appear frequently in texts, making them essential for developing reading fluency and comprehension. These words are often the most commonly used in written language and are typically taught early in literacy instruction to help students recognize them quickly. Recognizing high-frequency words allows students to read more smoothly and efficiently, facilitating greater understanding of the texts they encounter.

In contrast, words that are rarely used in writing would not qualify as high-frequency words, as their infrequent appearance does not support the goal of enhancing reading proficiency. Similarly, words that have multiple meanings or are considered complex do not fit this definition either, as these features can often complicate comprehension rather than facilitate it. High-frequency words are specifically those that learners encounter and utilize regularly in various texts, forming the backbone of literacy development.