what does insidious mean

HESI A2

Vocabulary for HESI A2

1. What does 'insidious' mean?

A. Immediate and obvious
B. So gradual as to not become apparent for a long time
C. Sudden and severe
D. Quick and detectable

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct definition of 'insidious' is 'So gradual as to not become apparent for a long time.' This term describes something that develops slowly and may not be noticed initially. Choice A, 'Immediate and obvious,' is incorrect because 'insidious' implies the opposite of being immediate. Choice C, 'Sudden and severe,' is incorrect because 'insidious' suggests a slow and subtle progression, not sudden. Choice D, 'Quick and detectable,' is incorrect because 'insidious' does not indicate something quick or easily detectable.

2. What does simulated mean?

A. Imitated
B. Dampened
C. Motivated
D. Recapped

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The word 'simulated' means to imitate or replicate the characteristics or actions of something. It involves creating a representation that resembles the original. In this context, 'imitated' is the correct synonym as it aligns with the idea of mimicking or reproducing something to simulate it. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not reflect the concept of imitation or replication, which is central to the meaning of 'simulated.'

3. What does 'Compensatory' mean?

A. Harmful
B. Offsetting or making up for something
C. Adding unnecessary work
D. Hindering

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The term 'Compensatory' means offsetting or making up for something. In this context, it refers to the act of providing something in order to make up for a deficiency or loss. It is not related to being harmful, hindering, or adding unnecessary work. 'Harmful' (Choice A), 'Adding unnecessary work' (Choice C), and 'Hindering' (Choice D) are incorrect as they do not align with the meaning of 'Compensatory.'

4. A child with a stuffy nose might find it hard to ____.

A. Breathe
B. Breathing
C. Breath
D. Breadth

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. A child with a stuffy nose might find it hard to breathe. 'Breathe' is the correct verb form in this sentence. 'Breathing' is the present participle form and could also work, but in the context of the sentence, 'breathe' is more suitable. 'Breath' is a noun referring to a single inhalation or exhalation of air, not the correct form in this context. 'Breadth' is a noun referring to the extent or measure of something from side to side, which is completely unrelated to the ability to breathe with a stuffy nose.

5. What does instigate mean?

A. Deactivate
B. Activate
C. Suppress
D. Evaluate

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Activate.' Instigate means to initiate or provoke a particular event or action. Choice A, 'Deactivate,' is incorrect as it means to make something inactive, which is the opposite of instigate. Choice C, 'Suppress,' is incorrect as it means to restrain or prevent something, not to initiate it. Choice D, 'Evaluate,' is incorrect as it means to assess or judge the value or quality of something, not to start or provoke it.