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. Choose the meaning of the word 'winnowed' in the following sentence: 'One by one, the applicants were winnowed out of the group.'

A. Escorted
B. Separated
C. Elevated
D. Summoned

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this context, the word 'winnowed' means to separate or eliminate less desirable individuals from a larger group, indicating that the applicants were being sifted out or singled out in this process. Therefore, the most appropriate meaning among the choices provided is 'separated.' 'Escorted' (Choice A) implies being accompanied or guided, which is not the intended meaning. 'Elevated' (Choice C) means raised or lifted, which does not fit the context. 'Summoned' (Choice D) suggests being called or requested to attend, which is also not the correct meaning in this context.

3. What does 'Aggregate' mean?

A. A part of the whole
B. A sum total of many things
C. A small fraction
D. A gradual reduction

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'A sum total of many things.' Aggregate refers to the total or sum of different elements or components. Choice A, 'A part of the whole,' is incorrect as aggregate does not refer to just a part but the whole combined. Choice C, 'A small fraction,' is incorrect as aggregate denotes a larger amount, not a small fraction. Choice D, 'A gradual reduction,' is incorrect as aggregate does not imply reduction but rather accumulation or combination.

4. The patient made a ritualistic arranging of the food on his plate. Which word best describes the patient's repetitive behavior?

A. Formal
B. Ritualistic
C. Formalizing
D. Ritual

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Ritualistic.' This adjective describes actions performed in a habitual or ceremonial manner, which aligns with the context of the patient's repeated arrangement of food. 'Formal' (choice A) does not capture the repetitive nature of the behavior. 'Formalizing' (choice C) refers to the process of making something formal rather than describing repetitive behavior. 'Ritual' (choice D) is a noun and does not best describe the patient's behavior in this context.

5. The man's heart attack scared him badly and he decided to have a regular check-up.

A. severely
B. badly
C. intensely
D. profoundly

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this context, 'badly' is the appropriate adverb to describe the intensity of the fear caused by the heart attack. 'Severely' and 'intensely' do not convey the same meaning in this sentence. 'Profoundly' refers more to depth or seriousness of an emotion, which doesn't fit the context of fear caused by a heart attack.