a synonym is a word a meaning similar to another word

HESI A2

HESI A2 Practice Vocabulary

1. A synonym is a word _____ a meaning similar to another word.

A. that has
B. that gives
C. which has
D. which gives

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct phrase to use in this context is 'that has,' indicating possession or similarity between words. Synonyms are words that have meanings similar to those of other words, making choice A the most appropriate selection. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not correctly convey the relationship of possessing similar meanings between words.

2. Which word is used incorrectly? 'I did the work before he asked me to.'

A. did
B. work
C. asked
D. before

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The word 'did' is correctly used in the sentence to form the past tense of the verb 'do.' In this context, 'did' is the appropriate term. The other words in the sentence, 'work,' 'asked,' and 'before,' are all used correctly and do not represent an incorrect word choice. Therefore, 'did' is the only word that is not used incorrectly in the given sentence.

3. Choose the meaning of the word 'sanguinary' in the following sentence: 'Surgery is often a sanguinary procedure.'

A. Hopeful or cheerful
B. Involving bloodshed
C. Difficult and protracted
D. Tricky and sensitive

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The word 'sanguinary' is derived from the Latin word 'sanguinarius,' meaning bloodthirsty or bloodshed. In the context of the sentence, 'sanguinary' is used to indicate that surgery is a procedure that involves bloodshed. Therefore, the correct answer is B. Choice A ('Hopeful or cheerful') is incorrect because 'sanguinary' does not convey a positive or cheerful meaning. Choice C ('Difficult and protracted') is incorrect as 'sanguinary' specifically relates to blood or bloodshed, not difficulty or prolongation. Choice D ('Tricky and sensitive') is incorrect as 'sanguinary' does not imply trickiness or sensitivity but rather the presence of blood or bloodshed.

4. Select the meaning of the word 'tenuous' in the sentence: 'Patients in this wing often have a tenuous hold on reality.'

A. Judicious
B. Deleted
C. Frantic
D. Fragile

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this context, the word 'tenuous' is used to describe a weak or delicate hold on reality. 'Fragile' is the correct choice as it conveys the idea of something being easily broken or damaged, which aligns with the meaning of 'tenuous' in the sentence. Choice A, 'Judicious,' means having good judgment, which is unrelated to the context. Choice B, 'Deleted,' means removed or erased, which is not synonymous with 'tenuous.' Choice C, 'Frantic,' means panicked or desperate, which does not capture the delicate or weak nature implied by 'tenuous.'

5. The quality, safety, and efficacy of the new medicines are not known. What does efficacy mean?

A. Cost
B. Effectiveness
C. Quality
D. Usage

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Efficacy refers to how effective something is. In this context, it refers to the effectiveness of the new medicines. 'Cost' (Choice A) is incorrect as it relates to the price of something, not its effectiveness. 'Quality' (Choice C) is incorrect as it refers to the standard or degree of excellence. 'Usage' (Choice D) is incorrect as it refers to how something is used, not its effectiveness.