German Conversation · Level 70
60 words
German word
defensiv
Pronunciation
IPA/defɛnˈziːf/
Meaning
- adjectivedefensive
Example
Wenn man ihn kritisiert, wird er defensiver.
When people criticize him, he becomes more defensive.
More examples
Auf Kritik reagierte sie defensiv.
In response to criticism, she reacted defensively.
Core concept
A person keeps a shield between them and pressure, responding with guarded restraint rather than open attack.
Common phrases
defensiv reagieren
react defensively
defensiv auftreten
act defensively
defensiv formulieren
phrase defensively
Similar words
rechtfertigend: Giving reasons to show that one's actions or position are justified.
empfindlich: Easily hurt by others' words and quick to react emotionally.
abwehrend: Responding to questions or criticism by refusing or blocking them.
Definition in German
so, dass man sich vor Angriffen, Kritik oder Risiken schützt und eher zurückhaltend oder abwehrend handelt
Word origin
German defensiv ultimately derives from Latin defendere, "to ward off or protect", through the learned European adjective form defensivus.
Usage tips
- Defensiv also describes a team's cautious tactics in sport, so its use is not limited to personal reactions or arguments.