what does the word trepidation mean

HESI A2

Vocabulary for HESI A2

1. What does the word Trepidation mean?

A. Fear
B. Misgivings
C. Confidence
D. Doubt

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Misgivings'. Trepidation is defined as a feeling of fear or anxiety about something that may happen. Choice A ('Fear') is too broad and does not capture the specific sense of unease that trepidation conveys. Choice C ('Confidence') is the opposite of what trepidation represents. Choice D ('Doubt') is related to uncertainty but does not fully encapsulate the sense of fear and anxiety associated with trepidation.

2. Select the meaning of the underlined word in the following sentence. He made a posthumous donation to the clinic.

A. Generous
B. Immense
C. Postmortem
D. Time-honored

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The word 'posthumous' in this sentence means occurring or coming into effect after the person's death. It is related to the word 'postmortem,' which also refers to events or actions happening after death. Given the context of the sentence, the most suitable meaning is 'postmortem.' Choice A, 'generous,' does not accurately reflect the meaning of 'posthumous' in the sentence. Choice B, 'immense,' is unrelated to the concept of something happening after a person's death. Choice D, 'time-honored,' is also not synonymous with 'posthumous' and does not fit the context of the sentence.

3. To which part of the human body does 'superior' refer?

A. Top
B. Bottom
C. Front
D. Back

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In human anatomy, the term 'superior' refers to a position or structure that is closer to the top of the body or situated above another structure in relation to the standard anatomical position. This means that choice A, 'Top,' is the correct answer as it accurately reflects the anatomical meaning of 'superior.' Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they refer to different anatomical directions that are not synonymous with 'superior.' 'Bottom' (choice B) refers to 'inferior,' 'Front' (choice C) relates to 'anterior,' and 'Back' (choice D) corresponds to 'posterior.'

4. What does inhibiting mean?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Hindering.' Inhibiting means to hinder or slow down a process rather than actively block or energize it. Hindering implies causing a delay or obstruction, which aligns closely with the meaning of inhibiting. Choices A and C are incorrect because inhibiting does not necessarily mean completely blocking or energizing a process. Choice D is incorrect as it specifically mentions improvement, which is not always the focus of inhibiting.

5. If a theory is obsolete, what is true of it?

A. Up to date
B. Outdated
C. Innovative
D. Scientific

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Outdated.' When something is described as 'obsolete,' it means that it is outdated or no longer in use. Therefore, an obsolete theory is no longer current or relevant. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because an obsolete theory is not considered up to date, innovative, or necessarily scientific; it is outdated and no longer relevant in its field.