DEFENSIVELY definition: 1. in a way that protects someone or something against attack or injury: 2. in a way that shows…. Learn more.

DEFENSIVELY meaning: 1. in a way that protects someone or something against attack or injury: 2. in a way that shows…. Learn more.

Definition of defensively adverb from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. in a way that shows that you feel that people are criticizing you. ‘I couldn't help it,’ he said defensively. Want to learn more? in a way that involves protecting somebody/something against attack. The English fought defensively while the Normans repeatedly charged.

There are three meanings listed in OED's entry for the adverb defensively. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence. How common is the adverb defensively? How is the adverb defensively pronounced? Where does the adverb defensively come from?

Intended to withstand or deter aggression or attack: a defensive weapons system; defensive behavior. b. Of or relating to the effort to prevent an opponent from gaining points in a game or athletic contest. c. Performed so as to avoid risk, danger, or legal liability: defensive driving; defensive medicine. 3. Of or relating to defense. 4.

2025年2月1日 · “the general conviction that our side is in the right and acting defensively over what Russians call the German question and Americans the Berlin crisis”

The meaning of DEFENSIVE is serving to defend or protect. How to use defensive in a sentence.

In a manner intended to defend or protect oneself from criticism or harm. Example: She spoke defensively when questioned about her decisions. 2. In a way that minimizes risk or exposure to attack. Example: The team played defensively, focused on preventing the opposing team from scoring. 3. Characterized by avoidance of confrontation or assertion.

2025年1月2日 · defensively (comparative more defensively, superlative most defensively) In a defensive manner. This is a particularly disruptive tactic if the opponent also prefers an offensive style and has difficulty fighting or counteroffensively.

DEFENSIVE definition: 1. used to protect someone or something against attack: 2. too quick to protect yourself from…. Learn more.