Defencive vs. Defensive: The Correct Spellings
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on March 1, 2024
Defencive is incorrect; the correct spelling is "defensive." Defensive means used or intended to protect or defend against attack.
Which is correct: Defencive or Defensive
How to spell Defensive?
Incorrect Spelling
Defencive
Correct Spelling
Defensive
Is it Defencive or Defensive
The word "defensive" comes from the French word "défensif," which in turn was derived from the Latin "defensivus," meaning protective or defensive. The term has been in use since the late 16th century.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 27, 2023
To remember the correct spelling, focus on the root word "defense" and add the adjective suffix "-ive." This helps to recall that "defensive" is related to "defense," and both words share the "se" spelling.
Kaitlyn
Dec 27, 2023
The correct spelling is "defensive," not "defencive." "Defensive" is often used to describe actions, positions, or attitudes that are protective or intended to defend.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 27, 2023
The misspelling "defencive" likely arises from a phonetic interpretation or confusion with the British spelling of "defence," but the correct adjective form is "defensive."
Muazma Batool
Dec 27, 2023
How Do You Spell Defensive Correctly?
Incorrect: He took a defencive position in the argument.
Correct: He took a defensive position in the argument.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 01, 2024
Incorrect: The team's defencive strategy worked well in the game.
Correct: The team's defensive strategy worked well in the game.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 01, 2024
Incorrect: Her defencive response was to deny everything.
Correct: Her defensive response was to deny everything.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 01, 2024
Incorrect: The defencive mechanisms of the plant deter predators.
Correct: The defensive mechanisms of the plant deter predators.
Henry
Mar 01, 2024
Incorrect: He is often overly defencive when criticized.
Correct: He is often overly defensive when criticized.
Olivia
Mar 01, 2024
Defensive Definitions
Intended to protect or guard.
The team adopted a defensive strategy in the second half.
Muazma Batool
Dec 27, 2023
Relating to defense against attack.
Defensive driving courses teach accident prevention techniques.
Leo
Dec 27, 2023
In a state of readiness to respond to a threat.
She was on the defensive during the meeting.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 27, 2023
Intended or appropriate for defending; protective.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
Intended to withstand or deter aggression or attack
a defensive weapons system.
defensive behavior.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
Of or relating to the effort to prevent an opponent from gaining points in a game or athletic contest.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
Defensive Meaning in a Sentence
He is often overly defensive when criticized.
Leo
Mar 01, 2024
The team's defensive strategy worked well in the game.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 01, 2024
He took a defensive position in the argument.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 01, 2024
Her defensive response was to deny everything.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 01, 2024
The castle's defensive walls were built to withstand sieges.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 01, 2024
Animals have evolved various defensive tactics to survive.
Levi
Mar 01, 2024
Defensive jokes can sometimes mask a person's insecurities.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 01, 2024
The defensive mechanisms of the plant deter predators.
Olivia
Mar 01, 2024
Defensive driving courses teach how to avoid accidents.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 01, 2024
A good defensive player is key to a soccer team's success.
Henry
Mar 01, 2024
In basketball, a strong defensive effort can turn the game around.
William
Mar 01, 2024
Children may adopt defensive behaviors in response to bullying.
Levi
Mar 01, 2024
The company's defensive patent strategy protects its innovations.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 01, 2024
The country bolstered its defensive capabilities in response to threats.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 01, 2024
The general outlined the defensive positions to the troops.
Nolan
Mar 01, 2024
Defensive magic is a common theme in fantasy literature.
Leo
Mar 01, 2024
Defensive investments are considered safer during economic downturns.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 01, 2024
A defensive stance in martial arts can prevent an opponent's attack.
William
Mar 01, 2024
Defensive barriers along the coast guard against tidal surges.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 01, 2024
Adopting a defensive posture can signal fear or aggression in animals.
Elijah
Mar 01, 2024
The immune system's defensive response fights off infections.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 01, 2024
A defensive attitude can hinder personal growth and relationships.
Kaitlyn
Mar 01, 2024
Defensive measures against cyber attacks are critical for businesses.
Jonathan
Mar 01, 2024
The lawyer's defensive argument aimed to protect his client.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 01, 2024
The team's defensive record is among the best in the league.
Lucas
Mar 01, 2024
Defensive Idioms
On the defensive
Being in a mode of defense, especially in an argument or confrontation.
She went on the defensive when her work was criticized, refusing to acknowledge any faults.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 01, 2024
Defensive driving
The practice of driving in a manner that reduces risks and prevents accidents.
Defensive driving courses teach techniques to handle unexpected road situations safely.
Elijah
Mar 01, 2024
Build a defensive line
To establish a fortified position intended to stop the advance of an opponent.
The army built a defensive line along the river to halt the enemy's progress.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 01, 2024
A defensive wall
A structure built to protect a place from attacks.
The ancient city was surrounded by a defensive wall that repelled invaders.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 01, 2024
Defensive posture
A physical or metaphorical stance taken to express readiness to defend or resist.
The cat's defensive posture, with arched back and hissing, warned off the dog.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 01, 2024
Defensive measures
Actions or strategies designed to protect against an attack or harm.
The software update included new defensive measures against hacking.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 01, 2024
A defensive strategy
A plan of action intended to defend or protect against opposition.
The coach's defensive strategy involved strengthening the team's ability to block their opponents.
William
Mar 01, 2024
Take a defensive stance
To prepare oneself to defend against criticism or attack.
The politician took a defensive stance during the debate, ready to counter any accusations.
Kaitlyn
Mar 01, 2024
In a defensive mood
Feeling inclined to defend oneself against perceived criticism or threats.
He was in a defensive mood all day, interpreting every comment as a slight against him.
Henry
Mar 01, 2024
Defensive mechanism
A psychological term for behaviors individuals use to protect themselves from negative thoughts or feelings.
Denial is a common defensive mechanism that helps people refuse to accept reality.
Lucas
Mar 01, 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I remember the spelling of 'defensive'?
Think of the root word 'defense' and add the suffix '-ive' to form 'defensive.'
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 27, 2023
What does 'defensive' mean?
'Defensive' refers to actions or attitudes intended to protect or defend.
Muazma Batool
Dec 27, 2023
Can 'defensive' be used in sports terminology?
Yes, 'defensive' is often used in sports to describe protective strategies or positions.
Elijah
Dec 27, 2023
Can 'defensive' describe a person's behavior?
Yes, describing someone as 'defensive' can imply they are quick to protect themselves from criticism or blame.
Henry
Dec 27, 2023
Why is 'defencive' considered incorrect?
'Defencive' is a misspelling. The correct form is 'defensive,' derived from the Latin 'defensivus.'
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 27, 2023
How does 'defensive' differ from 'offensive'?
'Defensive' pertains to protection and defense, while 'offensive' relates to attacking or aggression.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 27, 2023
What is the origin of 'defensive'?
'Defensive' originates from the French 'défensif,' from Latin 'defensivus,' meaning protective.
Kaitlyn
Dec 27, 2023
Is 'defensive' used only in military contexts?
While common in military contexts, 'defensive' is also used in everyday language to describe protective attitudes or actions.
Henry
Dec 27, 2023
Is 'defensive' a positive or negative term?
'Defensive' can be neutral, positive, or negative, depending on context.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 27, 2023
How has the use of 'defensive' evolved in modern times?
'Defensive' has expanded beyond physical defense to include psychological and strategic aspects in various fields.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 27, 2023
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
