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. Precipitous is best defined as being ____?

A. Slow
B. Swift
C. Gradual
D. Delayed

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Swift.' Precipitous is used to describe something that is steep, sheer, or done suddenly and without careful consideration. For example, a precipitous drop in the stock market. 'Slow' (Choice A), 'Gradual' (Choice C), and 'Delayed' (Choice D) do not align with the meaning of precipitous and are therefore incorrect.

3. What does Constrict mean?

A. To expand
B. To draw together
C. To freeze
D. To dissolve

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'To draw together.' Constrict means to narrow or squeeze, making something smaller or tighter. This is the opposite of expanding (choice A), freezing (choice C), and dissolving (choice D), which do not involve the action of drawing together or becoming smaller.

4. Of the many people whom she interviewed, she chose the one with the most _____.

A. experience
B. skills
C. qualities
D. knowledge

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this context, 'experience' is the most appropriate term because it refers to the practical knowledge and exposure someone has gained over time. When selecting a candidate from interviews, experience is often a crucial factor as it demonstrates the individual's capability to perform tasks effectively based on past scenarios encountered. 'Skills' (choice B) are specific abilities that can be learned or developed, 'qualities' (choice C) refer to personal characteristics, and 'knowledge' (choice D) is theoretical understanding, none of which directly reflect practical exposure gained over time.

5. An inability to be lucid in the early morning means the person is unable to behave in which way?

A. Coherent
B. Speculative
C. Furtive
D. Animated

Correct answer: A

Rationale: An inability to be lucid in the early morning means the person is unable to behave in a coherent way. Lucidity refers to clarity of thought and coherence in one's behavior or speech. If someone is not lucid, they may be confused, disoriented, or unable to express themselves clearly. Therefore, the correct choice is A. Coherent. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because being unable to be lucid does not necessarily mean the person is behaving in a speculative, furtive, or animated way.