which word means to think about something before making a decision

HESI A2

Vocabulary HESI A2 Practice Test

1. Which word means TO THINK ABOUT SOMETHING BEFORE MAKING A DECISION?

A. Imply
B. Transgress
C. Allay
D. Ruminate

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The word 'ruminate' means to think deeply about something before making a decision. It specifically implies reflecting or pondering carefully on a matter, indicating a thoughtful consideration process. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. 'Imply' means to suggest indirectly, 'transgress' means to go beyond limits or boundaries, and 'allay' means to diminish or put to rest feelings of fear or suspicion. These words do not convey the concept of thoughtful contemplation before making a decision.

2. What does Medial mean?

A. Away from the midline
B. Toward the midline
C. At the side
D. Below the body

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Medial means toward the midline of the body. In anatomical terms, 'medial' refers to positions closer to the midline of the body, which divides the body into left and right halves. Choice A is incorrect as it describes 'lateral,' which means away from the midline. Choice C is incorrect as it describes 'lateral' or 'side.' Choice D is incorrect as it describes 'inferior,' which means below or lower in position.

3. What is the meaning of perused?

A. Passed judgment on
B. Engaged in
C. Read thoroughly
D. Took notes about

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Read thoroughly.' The word 'perused' means to read or examine carefully or in detail. It does not imply passing judgment, engaging in, or taking notes. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because 'perused' specifically refers to reading thoroughly, not making judgments, participating in, or taking notes.

4. After the policeman _____ for several miles, he finally caught up with the man who had stolen the purse.

A. ran
B. had run
C. chased
D. drove

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this sentence, the correct option is 'had run' as it is the past perfect tense, which is used to indicate an action completed before another past action. The sentence structure requires the past perfect form to show that the running occurred before catching up with the man. 'Ran' (choice A) is in simple past tense and does not convey the sequence of events correctly. 'Chased' (choice C) is the simple past tense of the verb 'chase' and does not align with the past perfect tense needed in the sentence. 'Drove' (choice D) is incorrect as it refers to using a vehicle to pursue someone, whereas the context of the sentence indicates running on foot.

5. What does Gaping mean?

A. Partially closed
B. Wide open
C. Narrow
D. Sealed

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, 'Wide open'. Gaping refers to something being wide open, not partially closed (choice A), narrow (choice C), or sealed (choice D). In the context of the question, 'Gaping' describes something that is open widely.