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Defensively: meaning, definitions and examples

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defensively

 

[ dɪˈfɛnsɪvli ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

in sports

in a defensive manner, intending to protect oneself or one's team from being scored on

Synonyms

carefully, guardedly, protectively

Examples of usage

  • His team played defensively, focusing on blocking shots and intercepting passes.
  • The player reacted defensively, trying to prevent the opponent from scoring.
Context #2 | Adverb

in a social context

in a way that is protective or designed to defend against criticism or attack

Synonyms

cautiously, guardedly, protectively

Examples of usage

  • She responded defensively to the accusations, denying any wrongdoing.
  • He tends to act defensively when questioned about his decisions.

Translations

Translations of the word "defensively" in other languages:

🇵🇹 defensivamente

🇮🇳 रक्षात्मक रूप से

🇩🇪 defensiv

🇮🇩 dengan defensif

🇺🇦 оборонно

🇵🇱 defensywnie

🇯🇵 防御的に

🇫🇷 défensivement

🇪🇸 defensivamente

🇹🇷 savunmacı bir şekilde

🇰🇷 방어적으로

🇸🇦 بشكل دفاعي

🇨🇿 defenzivně

🇸🇰 defenzívne

🇨🇳 防御性地

🇸🇮 defenzivno

🇮🇸 varnarlega

🇰🇿 қорғанысты түрде

🇬🇪 დაცვით

🇦🇿 müdafiəçi olaraq

🇲🇽 defensivamente

Etymology

The word 'defensively' is derived from the adjective 'defensive', which originated in the late 14th century from the Old French 'defensif'. It is related to the Latin word 'defensivus', from 'defendere', meaning 'to ward off, protect'. Over time, 'defensively' has evolved to encompass not only physical protection but also psychological and social defense mechanisms.

See also: defenseless, defenselessly, defenses, defensibility, defensible, defensiveness, indefensible.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,079, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.