what does initiate mean

HESI A2

Vocabulary HESI A2 Practice Test

1. What does 'Initiate' mean?

A. To finish
B. To begin or put into practice
C. To delay
D. To stop completely

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'To begin or put into practice.' 'Initiate' means to start or commence something. Choice A, 'To finish,' is incorrect because 'Initiate' refers to the beginning of something, not its conclusion. Choice C, 'To delay,' is incorrect as it is the opposite of what 'Initiate' means. Choice D, 'To stop completely,' is also incorrect as it is the opposite of starting or initiating something.

2. If you are at the zenith of your career, you are ___________.

A. just getting started
B. preparing for retirement
C. at the pinnacle of success
D. having trouble with your superiors

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When someone is at the zenith of their career, it means they have reached the highest point or peak of success in their professional life. This suggests that they have achieved their utmost potential and are enjoying the height of their career accomplishments. Choice A, 'just getting started,' is incorrect as it implies the beginning of a career rather than the peak. Choice B, 'preparing for retirement,' is incorrect because being at the zenith of one's career usually signifies the prime of one's professional success, not the preparation for retirement. Choice D, 'having trouble with your superiors,' is incorrect as it is unrelated to the concept of reaching the peak of success in one's career.

3. Select the meaning of the word 'overt' in the sentence: 'Despite the absence of overt signs, Dr. Harris suspected Alicia might be suffering from the flu.'

A. concealed
B. apparent
C. expert
D. delectable

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'apparent.' In the given sentence, 'overt' is used to describe signs that are evident or obvious. It indicates that Dr. Harris suspected Alicia might have the flu even though there were no clear or overt signs present. Choice A, 'concealed,' is incorrect as it means hidden or not easily visible, which is the opposite of 'overt.' Choices C and D, 'expert' and 'delectable,' are unrelated to the meaning of 'overt' in this context.

4. The mail carrier's job is to put the _____ in every mailbox on the block.

A. letter
B. envelope
C. package
D. documents

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'envelope.' The mail carrier typically delivers envelopes containing mail to every mailbox on the block. Envelopes are commonly used to protect and contain letters, making them the most suitable choice in this context. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because while the mail carrier may deliver letters, packages, or documents, the most common item placed in mailboxes is an envelope containing mail.

5. Choose the meaning of the word 'adverse' in the following sentence: 'Occasionally, this medicine causes an adverse reaction.'

A. Unfavorable
B. Contrary
C. Noticeable
D. Startling

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The word 'adverse' in the sentence is most closely aligned with the meaning of 'unfavorable.' An adverse reaction to a medicine signifies a negative or harmful response, which supports the definition of unfavorable. Choice B, 'Contrary,' does not accurately capture the negative connotation associated with 'adverse.' Choice C, 'Noticeable,' does not reflect the meaning in the context provided. Choice D, 'Startling,' suggests a more sudden or surprising nature, which is not the primary meaning of 'adverse' in this context.