what does abstain mean

HESI A2

Vocabulary HESI A2 Practice Test

1. What does Abstain mean?

A. To voluntarily refrain from something
B. To consume something
C. To eat
D. To encourage

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'To voluntarily refrain from something.' Abstain means to choose not to do or have something, especially something you like or enjoy. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because abstain does not mean to consume something, to eat, or to encourage. It specifically refers to the act of voluntarily refraining from an action or practice.

2. Choose the meaning of the word 'inquest' in the following sentence: 'Many interesting discoveries were made at the inquest.'

A. Tryout
B. Intake
C. Autopsy
D. Checkup

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The word 'inquest' typically refers to a legal investigation or inquiry, especially into the cause of someone's death. In this context, an 'inquest' is associated with conducting an autopsy to determine the cause of death. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. A 'tryout' refers to a test or trial, 'intake' relates to the process of taking something in, such as food or air, and a 'checkup' is a general medical examination.

3. What does 'Discrete' mean?

A. Continuous
B. Distinct or separate
C. Mixed
D. Combined

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, 'Distinct or separate.' Discrete refers to something that is individually separate and distinct, not continuous (choice A), mixed (choice C), or combined (choice D). In mathematics and other fields, discrete items are countable and distinct from each other.

4. What is the meaning of ostracize?

A. Praise
B. Snub
C. Accept
D. Include

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Snub.' To ostracize someone means to intentionally exclude or ignore them. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because ostracize has a negative connotation, opposite of 'Praise,' 'Accept,' and 'Include.' Ostracize involves rejecting or isolating someone, which contrasts with the positive actions associated with the other choices.

5. Another word for UNDER OBSERVATION is?

A. Cognition
B. Isolation
C. Surveillance
D. Assessment

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Another word for UNDER OBSERVATION is surveillance. Surveillance refers to the close observation of a person, group, or place, especially in a secret or discreet manner. It involves monitoring and watching over someone or something closely for a specific purpose. Therefore, the word 'surveillance' is the most suitable synonym for under observation in this context. Choice A, 'Cognition,' refers to the mental process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thoughts, experience, and the senses; it is not synonymous with under observation. Choice B, 'Isolation,' means the process or fact of isolating or being isolated, which does not convey the idea of close monitoring. Choice D, 'Assessment,' involves evaluating or judging the nature, ability, or quality of something, which is different from the act of observing closely.