what does depress mean

HESI A2

HESI A2 Practice Vocabulary

1. What does 'depress' mean?

A. To push forward
B. To press downward
C. To remove
D. To elevate

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct definition of 'depress' is to press downward. This term is commonly used to describe pushing something downward or making something lower in position or level. Choice A, 'To push forward,' is incorrect as 'depress' does not involve moving something forward. Choice C, 'To remove,' is incorrect as 'depress' does not entail taking something away. Choice D, 'To elevate,' is incorrect as it is the opposite of what 'depress' means.

2. Her guileless manner is one of her most noticeable qualities. What does guileless mean?

A. Deceptive
B. Straightforward
C. Complex
D. Untrustworthy

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Straightforward.' Guileless means innocent, sincere, and without deceit. It describes someone who is honest and straightforward in their actions and speech. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. 'Deceptive' means misleading or dishonest, 'Complex' means having many intricate parts, and 'Untrustworthy' means not reliable or trustworthy, all of which are opposite in meaning to guileless.

3. Which word correctly completes the sentence? 'The men and women of the graduating class ___ their caps in the air.'

A. Thorough
B. Through
C. Threw
D. Throwing

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'C: Threw.' In this sentence, we need the past tense form of the verb 'throw' to show the action that occurred. Therefore, 'threw' is the correct choice. 'Thorough' (choice A) means complete or exhaustive, which doesn't fit the context of the sentence. 'Through' (choice B) is a preposition or an adverb, not the correct verb form. 'Throwing' (choice D) is the present participle form and does not match the past tense needed in the sentence.

4. What does Nebulous mean?

A. Clear
B. Vague
C. Distinct
D. Complex

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Vague.' Nebulous means something that is vague or unclear. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because nebulous is the opposite of clear, distinct, and complex. Nebulous refers to something lacking definite form or limits, making it difficult to understand or perceive clearly.

5. Which word means TO THINK ABOUT SOMETHING BEFORE MAKING A DECISION?

A. Imply
B. Transgress
C. Allay
D. Ruminate

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The word 'ruminate' means to think deeply about something before making a decision. It specifically implies reflecting or pondering carefully on a matter, indicating a thoughtful consideration process. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. 'Imply' means to suggest indirectly, 'transgress' means to go beyond limits or boundaries, and 'allay' means to diminish or put to rest feelings of fear or suspicion. These words do not convey the concept of thoughtful contemplation before making a decision.