what does torpid mean

HESI A2

HESI A2 Vocabulary Practice Test

1. What does Torpid mean?

A. Energetic
B. Sluggish
C. Fast
D. Slow

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Sluggish.' Torpid means being slow or inactive. Choice A, 'Energetic,' is the opposite of torpid. Choice C, 'Fast,' is not synonymous with torpid as it refers to quickness rather than sluggishness. Choice D, 'Slow,' is somewhat related to torpid but does not fully capture the inactive aspect of the term.

2. What does Dilute mean?

A. To concentrate
B. To make a liquid less concentrated
C. To solidify
D. To evaporate

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct definition of dilute is to make a liquid less concentrated. When a substance is diluted, it means it has been mixed with another substance to reduce its strength or concentration. Option A, 'To concentrate,' is the opposite of dilute. Option C, 'To solidify,' means to make or become hard or solid, which is unrelated to diluting a liquid. Option D, 'To evaporate,' means to change from a liquid to a vapor, also unrelated to diluting a liquid. Therefore, the correct answer is B.

3. What is the best description of the word 'insidious'?

A. stealthy
B. deadly
C. collapsed
D. new

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'stealthy.' 'Insidious' is often used to describe something that proceeds in a gradual, subtle, but harmful way. It is not directly or openly harmful like 'deadly,' nor does it mean 'collapsed' or 'new.' Therefore, 'stealthy' best captures the meaning of 'insidious.'

4. Choose the meaning of the word rationale in the following sentence: "Step-by-step, the doctor explained the rationale for the treatment."

A. Reasoning
B. Prescription
C. Procedure
D. Necessity

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Question: In this context, the word 'rationale' refers to the underlying reasoning or justification for the treatment being explained step-by-step by the doctor. It pertains to the logical basis or thought process behind the chosen course of action. 'Prescription' (Choice B), 'Procedure' (Choice C), and 'Necessity' (Choice D) do not accurately capture the meaning of 'rationale' in the sentence provided.

5. _ having trouble with _ new dog.

A. There, their
B. Their, there
C. They’re, their
D. Their, they’re

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this sentence, the correct choices are 'They’re' and 'their.' 'They’re' is a contraction of 'they are,' which fits the context of the sentence as it suggests ownership of the dog. 'Their' is a possessive pronoun showing ownership. Choice A is incorrect as 'there' refers to a place and doesn't make sense in this context. Choice B is incorrect as the possessive pronoun 'their' should come before the noun 'dog'. Choice D is incorrect as 'they’re' should be used before the verb 'having trouble' to form a contraction for 'they are'.