ADJECTIVE
defensiv/defɛnˈziːf/defensive; defensively
defensiv is a German adjective that means defensive or defensively. It is pronounced /defɛnˈziːf/. Its comparative and superlative forms are "defensiver" and "defensivsten".
Definitions
1.having a tendency to defend rather than attack; protecting oneself or one's position(general)
a.focused on defense rather than offense
Die Mannschaft spielt heute sehr defensiv.—The team is playing very defensively today.
2.reacting by defending oneself against criticism or perceived threat(psychology/communication)
a.having a self-protective manner in response to criticism
Er wurde in der Diskussion schnell defensiv.—He got defensive quickly in the discussion.
Adjective Forms
| Positive | defensiv |
|---|---|
| Comparative | defensiver |
| Superlative | defensivsten |
Frequently asked questions
- What does "defensiv" mean in English?
- "defensiv" means defensive or defensively. It is a German adjective.
- How do you pronounce "defensiv"?
- "defensiv" is pronounced /defɛnˈziːf/ in the International Phonetic Alphabet.
- What are the comparative and superlative of "defensiv"?
- The comparative of "defensiv" is "defensiver" and the superlative is "defensivsten".
- What part of speech is "defensiv"?
- "defensiv" is a adjective in German.
