Defencive vs. Defensive: Decoding the Right Spelling
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on December 29, 2023
"Defencive is an incorrect spelling, while Defensive is correct; defensive refers to protecting oneself or something from harm or criticism."
Which is correct: Defencive or Defensive
How to spell Defensive?
Defencive is Incorrect
Defensive is Correct
How to remember correct spelling of Defensive?
Think of 'Defensive' as a combination of 'defense' and 'ive', focusing on the 's' in defense.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023
Remember, 'Defensive' includes 'sense', as in making sense of protecting oneself.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023
Use the mnemonic: "Don't Ever Forget, 'S' Elevates 'Defensive' Vividly In English" to aid memory.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023
Associate 'Defensive' with 'offense', reminding that both words share the common letter 's'.
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Dec 29, 2023
Visualize the letter 's' as a shield, symbolizing defense in 'Defensive'.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023
Defensive Definitions
Defensive also means overly anxious to challenge or avoid criticism.
She became defensive when questioned about her decision.
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Dec 14, 2023
In psychology, defensive is used to describe mechanisms employed by individuals to cope with real or perceived threats.
His humor is a defensive mechanism against his insecurities.
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Dec 14, 2023
Defensive describes actions or attitudes aimed at protecting oneself or something from criticism or harm.
His defensive response to the feedback showed he felt threatened.
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Dec 14, 2023
Relating to the physical act of protection or defense.
The castle's defensive walls have stood for centuries.
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Dec 14, 2023
Intended or appropriate for defending; protective.
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Oct 19, 2023
Intended to withstand or deter aggression or attack
A defensive weapons system.
Defensive behavior.
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Oct 19, 2023
Of or relating to the effort to prevent an opponent from gaining points in a game or athletic contest.
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Oct 19, 2023
Performed so as to avoid risk, danger, or legal liability
Defensive driving.
Defensive medicine.
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Oct 19, 2023
Of or relating to defense.
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Oct 19, 2023
(Psychology) Constantly protecting oneself from criticism, exposure of one's shortcomings, or other real or perceived threats to the ego.
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Oct 19, 2023
A means of defense.
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Oct 19, 2023
An attitude or position of defense.
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Oct 19, 2023
Displaying an inordinate sensitivity to criticism or intrusion; oversensitive; thin-skinned.
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Oct 19, 2023
(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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pertaining to defense, as opposed to attack.
The victim held up his hand to repel the attacker and received a defensive knife wound.
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Oct 19, 2023
In a state or posture of defense.
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Oct 19, 2023
A means, attitude or position of defense.
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Oct 19, 2023
Serving to defend or protect; proper for defense; opposed to offensive; as, defensive armor.
A moat defensive to a house.
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Oct 19, 2023
Carried on by resisting attack or aggression; - opposed to offensive; as, defensive war.
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Oct 19, 2023
That which defends; a safeguard.
Wars preventive, upon just fears, are true defensives.
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Oct 19, 2023
An attitude of defensiveness (especially in the phrase `on the defensive')
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Oct 19, 2023
Intended or appropriate for defending against or deterring aggression or attack;
Defensive weapons
A defensive stance
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Oct 19, 2023
Attempting to justify or defend in speech or writing
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Oct 19, 2023
Serving as or appropriate for defending or protecting;
Defensive fortifications
Defensive dikes to protect against floods
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Oct 19, 2023
In sports, defensive refers to actions or strategies focused on preventing the opponent from scoring.
The team's defensive play was crucial in securing the victory.
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Dec 14, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is the correct spelling, 'Defencive' or 'Defensive'?
The correct spelling is 'Defensive'. 'Defencive' is a common misspelling.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023
Does the word 'Defensive' have Latin roots?
Yes, 'Defensive' originates from the Latin word 'defensivus', meaning 'defensive, protective'.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023
How can one use 'Defensive' in a sentence?
'Defensive' can be used like this: "The player's defensive skills prevented the other team from scoring."
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023
Why do people often misspell 'Defensive' as 'Defencive'?
People may misspell 'Defensive' as 'Defencive' due to the similarity in pronunciation and unfamiliarity with the correct spelling.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023
Can 'Defensive' be used in various contexts?
Yes, 'Defensive' can be used in physical, emotional, psychological, and strategic contexts.
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Dec 29, 2023
Are there any synonyms for 'Defensive'?
Yes, synonyms for 'Defensive' include protective, guarding, shielding, and safeguarding.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023
Is 'Defensive' ever used as a noun?
Rarely, 'Defensive' might be used as a noun in specific contexts, but it's primarily an adjective.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023
Can 'Defensive' relate to emotional behavior?
Yes, 'Defensive' often describes a person's emotional response to perceived criticism or threat.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023
Is 'Defencive' recognized in any English dictionaries?
No, 'Defencive' is not recognized as a correct spelling in standard English dictionaries.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023
Does 'Defensive' have different meanings in sports and psychology?
Yes, in sports, 'Defensive' refers to preventing opponents from scoring, while in psychology, it relates to coping mechanisms.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023
What part of speech is 'Defensive'?
'Defensive' is an adjective, used to describe a noun as protective or guarding against attack.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023
What does being 'on the defensive' mean?
Being 'on the defensive' means being in a mode of defense, especially in an argument or discussion.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023
How does 'Defensive' differ in British and American English?
The spelling 'Defensive' remains the same in both British and American English, with minor differences in pronunciation.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023
Why is spelling 'Defensive' correctly important?
Correct spelling ensures clear communication and helps maintain the integrity of the language.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023
How does the concept of 'Defensive' apply in military contexts?
In military terms, 'Defensive' relates to strategies and actions focused on protecting against enemy attacks.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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