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Defensiveness for Dummies

noun

pronunciation: dɪ'fɛnsɪvnʌs

What does Defensiveness really mean?

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Hey there, I can see that you're puzzled by the word "defensiveness". Don't worry, I'm here to help you understand it.

Defensiveness means that a person is always ready to protect themselves from being hurt or criticized. It's like putting up a shield around yourself to keep from getting hit by negative things. When someone feels defensive, they might react strongly or get easily upset when they feel like they are being attacked or criticized. It's sort of like when a porcupine puffs up its spines to protect itself when it feels threatened.

Imagine you're playing a game of soccer, and you're the goalkeeper. Your job is to defend the goal and stop the other team from scoring. In the same way, when someone acts defensively, they are trying to defend themselves from hurtful remarks or actions.

Defensiveness can be a natural response when we feel vulnerable or insecure. It's like our brain's way of trying to keep us safe from harm. But sometimes, being too defensive can make it hard for us to communicate with others and can get in the way of building positive relationships.

So, when someone says a person is being defensive, it means they are being overly protective of themselves and might not be open to listening or considering other perspectives. It's important to recognize when we're feeling defensive and try to understand why we feel that way, so we can find more constructive ways to respond.


Revised and Fact checked by Daniel Taylor on 2023-11-15 09:06:37

Defensiveness In a sentece

Learn how to use Defensiveness inside a sentece

  • When someone criticizes you, and you immediately get upset and try to defend yourself, that's being defensive.
  • If you always make excuses for your mistakes instead of accepting them, that's a sign of defensiveness.
  • When you feel like you always have to protect yourself from others' words or actions, that's being defensive.
  • If your friend gives you advice, but you feel the need to argue with them instead of listening, that's showing defensiveness.
  • When someone asks you a question about something you did wrong, and you try to shift the blame to someone else, that's a form of defensiveness.

Defensiveness Hypernyms

Words that are more generic than the original word.

sensitiveness sensitiveness sensitivity sensitivity

Defensiveness Hyponyms

Words that are more specific than the original word.

bunker mentality bunker mentality