Hesi A2 Vocabulary ACTUAL EXAM Explore Actual Questions and
Answers | 2026 Update | 100% Correct.
QUESTION
Exiguous
CORRECT ANS: inadequency; lacking
EXPERT RATIONALE
Exiguous is an adjective that describes something that is extremely small, scanty, or meager in amount, size, or extent. It implies a
deficiency or insufficiency. For example, an exiguous salary would be one that is inadequate to meet basic needs. The term is often
used to describe resources, portions, or evidence that are barely sufficient or insufficient.
QUESTION
Untenable
CORRECT ANS: No support; ground
EXPERT RATIONALE
Untenable is an adjective used to describe a position, argument, or situation that cannot be defended, maintained, or supported. It
suggests that there is no logical or factual basis to hold a particular view or to continue a certain course of action. For example, a
theory that is contradicted by evidence is untenable. In a broader sense, it can also describe a situation that is impossible to
continue, such as an untenable living arrangement.
,QUESTION
Clement
CORRECT ANS: favorable
EXPERT RATIONALE
Clement is an adjective that describes mild, temperate, or favorable conditions, particularly in reference to weather.
A clement climate is one that is pleasant and not extreme. It can also be used more broadly to describe a favorable or merciful
environment. The term is often contrasted with inclement, which means harsh or severe.
QUESTION
Adversity
CORRECT ANS: a state of burden or hardship
EXPERT RATIONALE
Adversity refers to a state of hardship, misfortune, or difficulty. It encompasses the challenges and obstacles that individuals face in
life. Experiencing adversity often builds character and resilience. It is a broad term that can refer to financial struggles, health
problems, personal loss, or any other significant source of suffering or distress.
QUESTION
Anecdote
CORRECT ANS: a short story or account of an event
,EXPERT RATIONALE
An anecdote is a short, entertaining, or interesting account of a real incident or person. It is often a personal narrative used to
illustrate a point, add humor, or make a concept more relatable. Unlike a formal history, an anecdote is typically brief and focuses
on a specific, often trivial, event. It is frequently used in speeches and storytelling to engage an audience.
QUESTION
Assiduous
CORRECT ANS: diligent; hard-working
EXPERT RATIONALE
Assiduous is an adjective that describes a person who is persistent, diligent, and hardworking in their efforts.
An assiduous individual shows great care and attention to detail, often working tirelessly to achieve their goals. The term implies a
consistent and dedicated application of oneself to a task or duty.
QUESTION
Benevolent
CORRECT ANS: showing sympathy, understanding, and generosity
EXPERT RATIONALE
Benevolent is an adjective that describes a person or action that is kind, generous, and well-meaning. A benevolent individual is
characterized by a desire to do good and show goodwill towards others. It often implies a charitable or philanthropic nature. The
term is frequently used to describe organizations or leaders who act with compassion and a concern for the welfare of others.
,QUESTION
Boisterous
CORRECT ANS: rough; rowdy; unruly
EXPERT RATIONALE
Boisterous is an adjective used to describe someone or something that is noisy, energetic, and somewhat uncontrollable. It often
refers to a person who is loud and full of energy, or to an event that is lively and chaotic. While it implies a lack of restraint, it is not
necessarily negative; a boisterous celebration can be a joyful, if unruly, event.
QUESTION
Brazen
CORRECT ANS: bold or unrestrained by normal standards
EXPERT RATIONALE
Brazen is an adjective that describes a person who is bold, shameless, and without restraint. A brazen individual acts with a flagrant
disregard for social conventions or the feelings of others. The term often carries a negative connotation, suggesting audacity that is
offensive or disrespectful. For example, a brazen lie is an obvious and unapologetic falsehood.
QUESTION
Brusque
CORRECT ANS: attitude of shortness or rudeness; gruff
Answers | 2026 Update | 100% Correct.
QUESTION
Exiguous
CORRECT ANS: inadequency; lacking
EXPERT RATIONALE
Exiguous is an adjective that describes something that is extremely small, scanty, or meager in amount, size, or extent. It implies a
deficiency or insufficiency. For example, an exiguous salary would be one that is inadequate to meet basic needs. The term is often
used to describe resources, portions, or evidence that are barely sufficient or insufficient.
QUESTION
Untenable
CORRECT ANS: No support; ground
EXPERT RATIONALE
Untenable is an adjective used to describe a position, argument, or situation that cannot be defended, maintained, or supported. It
suggests that there is no logical or factual basis to hold a particular view or to continue a certain course of action. For example, a
theory that is contradicted by evidence is untenable. In a broader sense, it can also describe a situation that is impossible to
continue, such as an untenable living arrangement.
,QUESTION
Clement
CORRECT ANS: favorable
EXPERT RATIONALE
Clement is an adjective that describes mild, temperate, or favorable conditions, particularly in reference to weather.
A clement climate is one that is pleasant and not extreme. It can also be used more broadly to describe a favorable or merciful
environment. The term is often contrasted with inclement, which means harsh or severe.
QUESTION
Adversity
CORRECT ANS: a state of burden or hardship
EXPERT RATIONALE
Adversity refers to a state of hardship, misfortune, or difficulty. It encompasses the challenges and obstacles that individuals face in
life. Experiencing adversity often builds character and resilience. It is a broad term that can refer to financial struggles, health
problems, personal loss, or any other significant source of suffering or distress.
QUESTION
Anecdote
CORRECT ANS: a short story or account of an event
,EXPERT RATIONALE
An anecdote is a short, entertaining, or interesting account of a real incident or person. It is often a personal narrative used to
illustrate a point, add humor, or make a concept more relatable. Unlike a formal history, an anecdote is typically brief and focuses
on a specific, often trivial, event. It is frequently used in speeches and storytelling to engage an audience.
QUESTION
Assiduous
CORRECT ANS: diligent; hard-working
EXPERT RATIONALE
Assiduous is an adjective that describes a person who is persistent, diligent, and hardworking in their efforts.
An assiduous individual shows great care and attention to detail, often working tirelessly to achieve their goals. The term implies a
consistent and dedicated application of oneself to a task or duty.
QUESTION
Benevolent
CORRECT ANS: showing sympathy, understanding, and generosity
EXPERT RATIONALE
Benevolent is an adjective that describes a person or action that is kind, generous, and well-meaning. A benevolent individual is
characterized by a desire to do good and show goodwill towards others. It often implies a charitable or philanthropic nature. The
term is frequently used to describe organizations or leaders who act with compassion and a concern for the welfare of others.
,QUESTION
Boisterous
CORRECT ANS: rough; rowdy; unruly
EXPERT RATIONALE
Boisterous is an adjective used to describe someone or something that is noisy, energetic, and somewhat uncontrollable. It often
refers to a person who is loud and full of energy, or to an event that is lively and chaotic. While it implies a lack of restraint, it is not
necessarily negative; a boisterous celebration can be a joyful, if unruly, event.
QUESTION
Brazen
CORRECT ANS: bold or unrestrained by normal standards
EXPERT RATIONALE
Brazen is an adjective that describes a person who is bold, shameless, and without restraint. A brazen individual acts with a flagrant
disregard for social conventions or the feelings of others. The term often carries a negative connotation, suggesting audacity that is
offensive or disrespectful. For example, a brazen lie is an obvious and unapologetic falsehood.
QUESTION
Brusque
CORRECT ANS: attitude of shortness or rudeness; gruff