Cool MateMeaning of Defensive
protecting somebody/something against attack
In simple words: Protecting yourself from harm or criticism.
Defensive in a sentence
- As a defensive measure he built a series of coastal forts and watchtowers.
- These are purely defensive measures.
- Troops took up a defensive position around the town.
- Don't ask him about his plans—he just gets defensive.
- He is extremely defensive about his work.
- Her manner was oddly defensive, as he hadn't intended any criticism at all.
- Whenever anyone mentions women's rights, he gets rather defensive.
- defensive play
- a largely defensive campaign
How to use Defensive
Used in contexts involving sports, arguments, or protecting oneself. Avoid in casual situations where a more relaxed term would fit.
Grammar pattern
standalone adjective
Memory hint
Think of a 'defense' shield—you're being protective.
Related words
Synonyms for Defensive
- protective
- guarding
- cautious
- obstructive
Opposites of Defensive
Common mistakes with Defensive
- Confused with 'defence', which is a noun.
- Used incorrectly as a noun instead of an adjective.
- Mispronounced by stressing the first syllable.
Defensive appears in
Defensive in other languages
- Arabicالعربية
دفاعي
تحمي نفسك من الأذى أو الانتقاد.
- Bengaliবাংলা
আত্মরক্ষামূলক
নিজেকে আঘাত বা সমালোচনা থেকে রক্ষা করা।
- GermanDeutsch
Defensiv
Sich selbst vor Schaden oder Kritik schützen.
- SpanishEspañol
Defensivo
Protegerte de daño o críticas.
- Persianفارسی
دفاعی
محافظت از خود در برابر آسیب یا انتقاد.
- FrenchFrançais
Défensif
Se protéger contre le mal ou les critiques.
- Hindiहिन्दी
रक्षात्मक
खुद को नुकसान या आलोचना से बचाना।
- ItalianItaliano
Difensivo
Proteggersi da danni o critiche.
- PortuguesePortuguês
Defensivo
Se protegendo de algo ruim ou de críticas.
- RussianРусский
Защитный, оборонительный
Защищающий себя от вреда или критики.
- Urduاردو
دفاعی، بچاؤ
خود کو نقصان یا تنقید سے بچانا۔
- Chinese中文
防御性的, 戒备的
保护自己免受伤害或批评。
More words like Defensive
- Protective
- Guarding
- Cautious
- AbolishC1
To formally put an end to a system, practice, or institution.
- AbortionC1
the deliberate ending of a pregnancy at an early stage
- AbsenceC1
the fact of somebody being away from a place where they are usually expected to be; the occasion or period of time when somebody is away
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Frequently asked questions about Defensive
What does Defensive mean?
Protecting yourself from harm or criticism.
What is the definition of Defensive?
protecting somebody/something against attack
How do you use Defensive in a sentence?
As a defensive measure he built a series of coastal forts and watchtowers.
Can you give another example of Defensive?
These are purely defensive measures.
What are synonyms for Defensive?
Common alternatives include protective, guarding, cautious, obstructive.
What is the opposite of Defensive?
Opposite meanings include offensive, aggressive.
What words go with Defensive?
It commonly pairs with be, purely, essentially, largely, be, feel, look, extremely, fairly, very, about.
What are common mistakes when using Defensive?
Confused with 'defence', which is a noun. Used incorrectly as a noun instead of an adjective. Mispronounced by stressing the first syllable.
How do you pronounce Defensive?
US: /["/dɪˈfensɪv/"]/, UK: /["/dɪˈfensɪv/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.
When should I use Defensive?
Used in contexts involving sports, arguments, or protecting oneself. Avoid in casual situations where a more relaxed term would fit.
What CEFR level is Defensive?
"Defensive" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.