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 suppress in the following sentence: 'A single dose will suppress even the nastiest cough.'

A. Subdue
B. Cure
C. Restore
D. Affect

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In the sentence, the word 'suppress' is synonymous with the word 'subdue.' To suppress a cough means to reduce or restrain it, which aligns with the meaning of subdue. The other options are incorrect: 'Cure' implies completely eliminating the cough, 'Restore' means to bring back to a former condition, and 'Affect' is too general and does not capture the specific meaning of 'suppress' in this context.

3. The new mother wanted to use cloth diapers rather than disposables.

A. Close
B. Clothing
C. Cloth
D. Clothes

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct choice is C. Cloth because in the sentence, the new mother expressed a preference for using cloth diapers over disposables. 'Cloth' refers to a type of diaper material, and it makes sense in the context of the sentence. Choice A, 'Close,' is incorrect as it does not relate to the type of diapers being discussed. Choice B, 'Clothing,' is incorrect as it refers to garments worn on the body, not diapers. Choice D, 'Clothes,' is also incorrect as it is used for general garments, not specific to diapers.

4. What does Flaccid mean?

A. Rigid
B. Limp or lacking tone
C. Tense
D. Swollen

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Limp or lacking tone.' Flaccid refers to something that is lacking firmness or muscle tone. Choice A, 'Rigid,' is incorrect as it is the opposite of flaccid. Choice C, 'Tense,' is also incorrect as it implies stiffness or tightness, which is different from being flaccid. Choice D, 'Swollen,' is unrelated to the meaning of flaccid.

5. What does 'deteriorating' mean?

A. Improving
B. Worsening
C. Staying the same
D. Fluctuating

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, 'Worsening.' Deteriorating refers to something getting worse over time, not improving (choice A), staying the same (choice C), or fluctuating (choice D).