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. What is another word for latent?

A. Flagrant
B. Dormant
C. Deceased
D. Postponed

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Dormant. Latent and dormant are synonymous and refer to something existing but not currently active or evident. Choice A, 'Flagrant,' means something that is conspicuously offensive, blatant, or glaring, which is the opposite of latent. Choice C, 'Deceased,' means no longer alive, which is unrelated to latent. Choice D, 'Postponed,' means to delay or reschedule to a later time, which is not synonymous with latent.

3. Being overweight may PREDISPOSE a person to diabetes. What does Predispose mean?

A. Preventing
B. Making susceptible
C. Avoiding
D. Treating

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Making susceptible.' To predispose means to make someone more susceptible to a condition, in this case, being overweight may increase the likelihood of developing diabetes. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because predispose does not mean preventing, avoiding, or treating a condition, but rather making someone more vulnerable or inclined to it.

4. Select the meaning of the underlined word in the following sentence. The pain of childbirth may often be acute.

A. Escalating
B. Emergent
C. Eased
D. Intense

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The word "acute" in this sentence means intense. Acute pain is sharp or severe, which accurately describes the level of pain experienced during childbirth. Choice A, "Escalating," suggests increasing pain over time, which is not necessarily implied by the word "acute." Choice B, "Emergent," means arising or coming into view, which does not capture the intensity of the pain. Choice C, "Eased," means to make less severe, which is the opposite of what is described in the sentence.

5. 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.