what does the word banal mean

HESI A2

Vocabulary for HESI A2

1. What does the word Banal mean?

A. Interesting
B. Ordinary
C. Boring
D. Creative

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Ordinary.' Banal refers to something that is common, unoriginal, or lacking in originality. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because banal does not mean interesting, boring, or creative; it specifically conveys the idea of being mundane or lacking in freshness.

2. To critique something is to ___________.

A. appraise it
B. condemn it
C. extol it
D. berate it

Correct answer: B

Rationale: To critique something means to evaluate and judge it, often pointing out its faults or shortcomings. Condemning something implies expressing strong disapproval or criticism of it, which aligns closely with the concept of critiquing. 'Appraise' means to assess the value or quality of something, which is not necessarily negative. 'Extol' means to praise highly, which is the opposite of critiquing. 'Berate' means to scold or criticize someone angrily, which is not the same as objectively evaluating something as in critiquing. Therefore, 'condemn it' is the most suitable choice among the given options.

3. If someone is disseminating information, what are they doing?

A. Withholding it
B. Broadcasting it
C. Destroying it
D. Complicating it

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When someone is disseminating information, they are spreading it widely or broadcasting it to reach a larger audience. Therefore, the correct answer is B: 'Broadcasting it.' This process involves sharing information to make it widely known and accessible. Choice A, 'Withholding it,' is incorrect as it means keeping information back rather than sharing it. Choice C, 'Destroying it,' is incorrect as it means to eliminate or get rid of the information, which is the opposite of disseminating. Choice D, 'Complicating it,' is incorrect as it means making something more complex or difficult to understand rather than spreading it.

4. This medication works by inhibiting the action of a certain enzyme. What does inhibiting mean?

A. Blocking
B. Hindering
C. Energizing
D. Blocking improvement

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'B: Hindering.' Inhibiting means to hinder or slow down a process. Choices A and D are similar and imply a complete stop of the process rather than just slowing it down. Choice C, 'Energizing,' is the opposite of inhibiting, as it means to provide energy or stimulate rather than hinder.

5. What is the best description of aseptic?

A. Infected
B. Purified
C. Contaminated
D. Sterilized

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Purified.' Aseptic means free from contamination or purified. In medical and scientific contexts, aseptic techniques are used to prevent contamination and maintain sterility in environments or procedures. Choice A, 'Infected,' is incorrect as aseptic refers to being free from contamination, not being infected. Choice C, 'Contaminated,' is incorrect as aseptic means the opposite of contaminated. Choice D, 'Sterilized,' is incorrect as aseptic focuses on the absence of contamination rather than the process of sterilization.