Defencive vs. Defensive — Which is Correct Spelling?

Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 20, 2024

"Defencive" is an incorrect spelling; the correct form is "Defensive," referring to protection or resistance.

Defencive vs. Defensive — Which is Correct Spelling?

Which is correct: Defencive or Defensive

How to spell Defensive?

Defencive

Incorrect Spelling

Defensive

Correct Spelling

Key Differences

Associate "Defensive" with "Defense," its root word.

Visualize "Defensive driving" to recall the correct spelling.

Incorrect "c" in "Defencive" looks out of place compared to the streamlined "Defensive."

Remember it's "Defen-s-ive," like "Offen-s-ive."

Recall "s" for shield, reinforcing the protection theme.

How Do You Spell Defensive Correctly?

Incorrect: Defencive players often feel pressured during the game.

Correct: Defensive players often feel pressured during the game.

Incorrect: Her defencive attitude made the conversation difficult.

Correct: Her defensive attitude made the conversation difficult.

Incorrect: The team adopted a defencive strategy to prevent goals.

Correct: The team adopted a defensive strategy to prevent goals.

Incorrect: He took a very defencive stance on the issue.

Correct: He took a very defensive stance on the issue.

Incorrect: The defencive mechanisms of these animals are fascinating.

Correct: The defensive mechanisms of these animals are fascinating.

Defensive Definitions

Used or intended to protect against attack.

The city has defensive walls.

Relating to sports or games where preventing the opponent from scoring is prioritized.

They adopted a defensive strategy.

Guarding against financial losses.

They made defensive investments.

A stance or behavior aimed at defending or protecting.

The team's defensive was impeccable.

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

Being quick to defend oneself.

He became defensive when questioned.

Defensive Meaning in a Sentence

The castle's defensive walls have stood for hundreds of years.

My brother always gets defensive when I ask about his homework.

The team's defensive strategy helped them win the championship.

In basketball, a good defensive player is as important as a good scorer.

The coach taught us new defensive techniques today.

Animals have unique defensive behaviors to protect themselves from predators.

She has a defensive nature, which makes it hard to give her feedback.

A defensive reply is often seen as a sign of guilt.

Their defensive efforts during the game were commendable.

Defensive measures against cyber attacks are crucial for online safety.

The documentary highlighted the defensive tactics used by soldiers in ancient wars.

The government is working on defensive strategies to protect the environment.

Defensive driving courses can teach you how to avoid accidents.

Being defensive in a conversation can prevent you from understanding the other person's perspective.

Defensive jokes can sometimes hurt people's feelings.

The plant has thorns as a defensive mechanism against herbivores.

Defensive tactics in chess can lead to a victory against aggressive opponents.

The team needs to work on its defensive formations before the next match.

The company took a defensive stance against the allegations.

A defensive mindset can sometimes be beneficial in business negotiations.

Defensive investments are usually safer but offer lower returns.

In soccer, a team without a strong defensive line is vulnerable to attacks.

Being overly defensive can hinder personal growth.

Learning defensive skills is important for personal safety.

He improved his defensive skills to become a better rugby player.

Defensive Idioms & Phrases

On the defensive

To be in a position where you feel you have to defend yourself against criticism or attack.

After the article was published, the CEO was constantly on the defensive.

Common Curiosities

What is the pronunciation of Defensive?

Defensive is pronounced as /dɪˈfɛnsɪv/.

Which vowel is used before Defensive?

The vowel "e" is predominantly used in "Defensive."

What is the singular form of Defensive?

Defensive is an adjective, so it doesn't have a singular or plural form in the typical noun sense.

What is the verb form of Defensive?

The verb form related to "Defensive" is "Defend."

What is the root word of Defensive?

The root word is "Defense."

Which preposition is used with Defensive?

Various prepositions can be used, such as "on the defensive" or "in a defensive manner."

Which conjunction is used with Defensive?

Any conjunction can be used with "Defensive" depending on the context, e.g., "and," "but," "or."

Which article is used with Defensive?

Depending on context, both "a" and "the" can be used before "Defensive."

Is Defensive a negative or positive word?

Neutral. Its connotation depends on the context.

Why is it called Defensive?

It is derived from "defense," indicating a protective or resistant nature.

Is the word Defensive imperative?

No, Defensive is not in the imperative form.

What is a stressed syllable in Defensive?

The second syllable "fen" is stressed in "Defensive."

What is another term for Defensive?

Another term could be "protective" or "guarding."

What is the plural form of Defensive?

Adjectives in English don't have plural forms. However, the noun "Defensives" can denote protective measures or strategies.

Is Defensive a noun or adjective?

Primarily an adjective, but it can also be a noun in certain contexts.

Is Defensive an adverb?

No, Defensive is not an adverb.

Is Defensive an abstract noun?

When used as a noun, it can be considered abstract as it represents a concept.

Is the word Defensive a gerund?

No, Defensive is not a gerund.

Which determiner is used with Defensive?

Any determiner can be used based on context, e.g., "this," "that."

Is Defensive a vowel or consonant?

The word "Defensive" starts with a consonant.

How do we divide Defensive into syllables?

De-fen-sive.

What part of speech is Defensive?

Defensive can be both an adjective and a noun.

What is the second form of Defensive?

The related verb's second form is "Defended."

Is the word “Defensive” a Direct object or an Indirect object?

When used as a noun, "Defensive" can be a direct object but not typically an indirect object.

How many syllables are in Defensive?

Defensive has three syllables.

What is the opposite of Defensive?

The opposite could be "Offensive" or "Aggressive."

What is the first form of Defensive?

The related verb's first form is "Defend."

What is the third form of Defensive?

The related verb's third form is also "Defended."

How is Defensive used in a sentence?

Example: The team took a defensive stance during the last quarter of the game.

Is Defensive a countable noun?

When used as a noun, it can be countable, e.g., several defensives.

Is Defensive a collective noun?

No, Defensive is not a collective noun.

Is the Defensive term a metaphor?

It can be used metaphorically, as in "on the defensive."

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Written by

Fiza Rafique

Fiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.

Edited by

Tayyaba Rehman

Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.