Understanding the Usage and Difference: Defensive versus Defendable

Understanding the Usage and Difference: Defensive versus Defendable

Defensive versus Defendable

Defensive

The word “defensive” is an adjective. Its root, “defense”, comes from Old French, and was first used in the 14th century. It means to protect or guard.

We use “defensive” to talk about actions done to keep safe or guard against harm. For example, if someone tries to hit you, you might put up your hands in a ‘defensive’ way. You can also use “defensive” to describe a person who always gets upset or angry when criticized.

Here are some examples:

1. I took a defensive driving course to learn how to avoid accidents.
2. His response to the feedback was defensive.
3. She adopted a defensive stance when she saw the dog running towards her.
4. You don’t have to be so defensive, I was just making a suggestion.
5. The team is known for their defensive playing style in basketball games.

Defendable

“Defendable” also comes from the root “defense”, but it is often used to describe something that can be guarded or protected. It suggests that something is strong or good enough to be defended.

Here are some examples:

1. The castle’s high walls made it easily defendable against enemy attacks.
2. Our team’s strategy is defendable because we did our research.
3. The lawyer had a defendable case because she had strong evidence.
4. He made a defendable choice in a tough situation.
5. This position is more defendable against the enemy.

Trick to Remember the Difference

Remember that people who are defensive are often trying to ‘defend’ themselves from attack or criticism. On the other hand, something is defendable if it can stand up to attack or criticism because it is strong or supported by facts or evidence.

Summary

In summary, both “defensive” and “defendable” are related to protection and defense. But remember, “defensive” is often about reactive measures taken to guard against harm. It can also describe someone’s reaction to criticism. Meanwhile, “defendable” describes something or someone that is strong or good enough to stand up to attack or criticism.