Defencive vs. Defensive: Mastering the Correct Spelling
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on March 13, 2024
"Defencive" is an incorrect spelling; "Defensive" is the correct form referring to resisting attack or injury.
Which is correct: Defencive or Defensive
How to spell Defensive?
Defencive is Incorrect
Defensive is Correct
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Key Differences
The word "defense" is the base, add "ive" at the end.
Relate "Defensive" with "Offensive"; both have the "s" sound.
Keep in mind, in American English, "defense" uses "s", not "c".
Visualize a shield with the word “Defensive” written on it.
Remember it as "defen-s-ive", associating "s" with "shield" which defends.
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Correct usage of Defensive
Her defencive attitude made it hard to discuss the issue.
Her defensive attitude made it hard to discuss the issue.
His defencive responses during the interview raised more questions.
His defensive responses during the interview raised more questions.
He played in a very defencive manner, always cautious.
He played in a very defensive manner, always cautious.
She gave a defencive explanation for her late arrival.
She gave a defensive explanation for her late arrival.
The team's defencive strategy paid off in the second half.
The team's defensive strategy paid off in the second half.
Defensive Definitions
Defensive pertains to defending or protecting against harm or attack.
The castle had impressive defensive walls.
Defensive can denote something that provides immunity against diseases.
The vaccine offers a defensive mechanism against the virus.
Defensive also refers to investments considered stable and low risk.
He chose defensive stocks during the market's volatility.
Intended or appropriate for defending; protective.
Intended to withstand or deter aggression or attack
A defensive weapons system.
Defensive behavior.
Of or relating to the effort to prevent an opponent from gaining points in a game or athletic contest.
Performed so as to avoid risk, danger, or legal liability
Defensive driving.
Defensive medicine.
Of or relating to defense.
(Psychology) Constantly protecting oneself from criticism, exposure of one's shortcomings, or other real or perceived threats to the ego.
A means of defense.
An attitude or position of defense.
Intended for defence; protective.
A defensive perimeter
Intended to deter attack.
A defensive missile system
Performed so as to minimise risk.
Defensive driving
Displaying an inordinate sensitivity to criticism or intrusion; oversensitive; thin-skinned.
(cricket) Of a bowling or fielding tactic designed to prevent the other side from scoring runs; of a batting tactic designed to prevent being out.
Pertaining to defense, as opposed to attack.
The victim held up his hand to repel the attacker and received a defensive knife wound.
In a state or posture of defense.
A means, attitude or position of defense.
Serving to defend or protect; proper for defense; opposed to offensive; as, defensive armor.
A moat defensive to a house.
Carried on by resisting attack or aggression; - opposed to offensive; as, defensive war.
That which defends; a safeguard.
Wars preventive, upon just fears, are true defensives.
An attitude of defensiveness (especially in the phrase `on the defensive')
Intended or appropriate for defending against or deterring aggression or attack;
Defensive weapons
A defensive stance
Attempting to justify or defend in speech or writing
Serving as or appropriate for defending or protecting;
Defensive fortifications
Defensive dikes to protect against floods
Defensive refers to behavior that guards against criticism.
He became defensive when confronted about his mistake.
Defensive can describe a strategy or stance in sports prioritizing defense over offense.
The team adopted a defensive strategy.
Defensive Sentences
The player's defensive skills helped win the game.
Their defensive driving saved them from an accident.
She adopted a defensive posture during the negotiations.
The company took defensive measures to protect its data.
He took a defensive stance in anticipation of the argument.
A good debate includes both offensive and defensive arguments.
The team's defensive lineup was hard to break.
Defensive barriers were set up around the perimeter.
Defensive investments can protect your portfolio during downturns.
The plant's thorns are a defensive feature against herbivores.
Defensive driving courses teach how to avoid accidents.
The castle's defensive walls stood for centuries.
A defensive strategy in chess can frustrate your opponent.
The fortress was built for defensive purposes.
The city's defensive measures were tested during the storm.
He's always on the defensive, making it hard to communicate.
Defensive mechanisms can sometimes prevent personal growth.
She took a defensive position on the controversial issue.
In wildlife, many animals have developed defensive traits.
She felt the need to be defensive about her choices.
His defensive reply did not satisfy the committee.
Defensive tackles are crucial in stopping the run in football.
Adopting a defensive posture can signal fear or aggression.
The defensive attitude can be a response to criticism.
They entered a defensive pact to support each other.
Defensive Idioms & Phrases
Defensive wall
A term used in soccer for a line of defenders set up to block a free kick.
The defensive wall blocked the shot, saving the goal.
On the defensive
Being in a mode of defense, especially in an argument or discussion, to protect oneself from criticism.
After the accusations, she was constantly on the defensive.
Take a defensive stance
To prepare oneself to defend against criticism or attack.
He took a defensive stance, ready to refute any criticism.
A defensive posture
A physical or metaphorical stance taken to protect oneself from harm.
The company adopted a defensive posture against the hostile takeover.
Defensive play
In sports, a strategy focused on preventing the opponent from scoring rather than trying to score.
The team switched to a defensive play to maintain their lead.
A defensive shield
A metaphor for a protective barrier one puts up to guard against emotional or physical harm.
He used humor as a defensive shield against criticism.
Defensive mechanism
Psychological strategies employed unconsciously to protect oneself from anxiety or guilt.
Denial is a common defensive mechanism against unpleasant realities.
FAQs
Why is it called Defensive?
It's derived from "defense" and means intended to defend or protect.
What is the pronunciation of Defensive?
It's pronounced as /dɪˈfɛn.sɪv/.
What is the verb form of Defensive?
The related verb is "defend."
What is the root word of Defensive?
The root word is "defend."
What is the singular form of Defensive?
"Defensive" itself is in singular form.
Which conjunction is used with Defensive?
No specific conjunction is inherently tied to "defensive"; it depends on context.
What is the plural form of Defensive?
The adjective "defensive" doesn't have a plural form, but related nouns like "defensives" can be used in contexts like investing.
Is Defensive an abstract noun?
While primarily an adjective, in some contexts, it can be used as an abstract noun (e.g., "on the defensive").
Which vowel is used before Defensive?
The vowel “e” is used before the final “ive”.
Which preposition is used with Defensive?
"On the defensive" is a common phrase.
Is Defensive a noun or adjective?
"Defensive" is primarily an adjective.
Is Defensive an adverb?
No, it's not an adverb.
Is Defensive a negative or positive word?
It's neutral but can have negative connotations when referring to behavior.
Is the Defensive term a metaphor?
Not inherently, but can be used metaphorically in some contexts.
What part of speech is Defensive?
"Defensive" is an adjective.
Which article is used with Defensive?
Both "a" and "the" can be used depending on context.
Is Defensive a vowel or consonant?
"Defensive" is a word containing both vowels and consonants.
Is the word Defensive imperative?
No, it's not an imperative form.
What is the opposite of Defensive?
"Offensive" is often considered the opposite in many contexts.
Which determiner is used with Defensive?
Determiners like "this" or "that" can be used depending on the context.
What is the second form of Defensive?
The related verb's second form is "defended."
Is Defensive a countable noun?
As an adjective, this doesn't apply. However, in some noun contexts (like "defensives" in investments), it can be countable.
What is a stressed syllable in Defensive?
The second syllable "fen" is stressed.
What is another term for Defensive?
"Protective" can be another term.
What is the third form of Defensive?
The related verb's third form is "defended."
Is Defensive a collective noun?
No, it isn't.
How many syllables are in Defensive?
There are three syllables.
How do we divide Defensive into syllables?
Defensive is divided as De-fen-sive.
What is the first form of Defensive?
The related verb's first form is "defend."
How is Defensive used in a sentence?
She took a defensive stance when questioned about her decision.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
