different between combative vs defensive

English

Etymology

combat +? -ive

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /?k?m.b?.t?v/
• (US) IPA^(key): /k?m?bæ.t?v/

Adjective

combative (comparative more combative, superlative most combative)

1. Given to fighting; disposed to engage in combat; pugnacious.

Synonyms

• See also Thesaurus:combative

Translations

French

Adjective

combative

1. feminine singular of combatif

English

Etymology

From Middle French défensif

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /d??f?ns?v/

Adjective

defensive (comparative more defensive, superlative most defensive)

1. Intended for defence; protective.

2. Intended to deter attack.

3. Performed so as to minimise risk.

4. Displaying an inordinate sensitivity to criticism or intrusion; oversensitive; thin-skinned.
5. (cricket) Of a bowling or fielding tactic designed to prevent the other side from scoring runs; of a batting tactic designed to prevent being out.
6. (chiefly sports) Pertaining to defense, as opposed to attack.
7. In a state or posture of defense.

Antonyms

• offensive

Translations

Noun

defensive (plural defensives)

1. A means, attitude or position of defense.

Translations

Related terms

• on the defensive

German

Adjective

defensive

1. inflection of defensiv:
   1. strong/mixed nominative/accusative feminine singular
   2. strong nominative/accusative plural
   3. weak nominative all-gender singular
   4. weak accusative feminine/neuter singular

Latin

Adjective

d?f?ns?ve

1. vocative masculine singular of d?f?ns?vus