what does constrict mean

HESI A2

Vocabulary for HESI A2

1. What does Constrict mean?

A. To expand
B. To draw together
C. To freeze
D. To dissolve

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'To draw together.' Constrict means to narrow or squeeze, making something smaller or tighter. This is the opposite of expanding (choice A), freezing (choice C), and dissolving (choice D), which do not involve the action of drawing together or becoming smaller.

2. What is another word for ABSTAIN?

A. Refrain
B. Indulge
C. Adhere
D. Eliminate

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Refrain is another word for abstain, as both words mean to resist or hold oneself back from doing something. In contrast, indulge (choice B) means to allow oneself to enjoy something freely, making it the opposite of abstain. Adhere (choice C) means to stick to or follow closely, while eliminate (choice D) means to completely remove or get rid of something. Therefore, the correct answer is A, 'Refrain,' which is a synonym for 'abstain.'

3. Place the four words in alphabetical order.

A. Assemble, assembled, assembling, assembly
B. Assembly, assemble, assembled, assembling
C. Assemble, assembly, assembling, assembled
D. Assemble, assembly, assembled, assembling

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In alphabetical order, 'Assemble, assembly, assembling, assembled' is correct. The alphabetical order is determined by the first letter of each word. The correct sequence starts with 'Assemble,' followed by 'assembly,' then 'assembling,' and finally 'assembled.' Choice A, B, and D do not follow the correct alphabetical order as the words are not arranged alphabetically.

4. Which phrase correctly completes the sentence? She went to the party ___ her dislike for the host.

A. Despite of
B. Even though
C. Although
D. In spite of

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct phrase to complete the sentence is 'In spite of.' This phrase is used to indicate that an action is taken despite a particular circumstance or feeling. In this case, she went to the party in spite of her dislike for the host, meaning she attended the party regardless of her negative feelings towards the host. Choice A, 'Despite of,' is incorrect as the correct phrase is 'Despite,' without the preposition 'of.' Choice B, 'Even though,' is not the best fit in this context as it does not express the contrast between attending the party and disliking the host as effectively as 'In spite of.' Choice C, 'Although,' is also not the most suitable choice as it is used to introduce a contrast, but 'In spite of' provides a stronger emphasis on the contradiction between attending the party and disliking the host.

5. Which sentence uses 'etc.' grammatically correct?

A. The list included diseases such as flu, measles, etc.
B. The list included flu, measles, etc., and other items.
C. The list included flu, measles, etc., diseases, and other items.
D. The list included, flu, etc., measles, diseases, and other items.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct usage of 'etc.' should follow a comma when concluding a list. Option A correctly places 'etc.' at the end of a logical list with a comma before it, following grammatical rules. In option B, a comma should be placed after 'etc.' before introducing 'and other items.' Options C and D either misplace commas or incorrectly use 'etc.' within the list.