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Antonyms for defensively

Grammar : Adv
Spell : dih-fen-siv
Phonetic Transcription : dɪˈfɛn sɪv


Definition of defensively

Origin :
  • c.1400 (adj. and noun), from French défensif (14c.), from Medieval Latin defensivus, from defens-, past participle stem of Latin defendere (see defend). Of persons, "alert to reject criticism," from 1919. Related: Defensively; defensiveness.
  • adv suspiciously
Example sentences :
  • "Well, that happened a good while ago," said Taterleg defensively.
  • Extract from : « The Duke Of Chimney Butte » by G. W. Ogden
  • Defensively he crouched, yet the next instant he was overthrown.
  • Extract from : « The Trail of '98 » by Robert W. Service
  • The other eyed her defensively and she tried to tidy her hair with hands that shook.
  • Extract from : « Jane Journeys On » by Ruth Comfort Mitchell
  • "They're very kind among themselves," Paula said defensively.
  • Extract from : « The Stars, My Brothers » by Edmond Hamilton
  • Defensively, too, had the rider of the maherry an advantage over his antagonists.
  • Extract from : « The Boy Slaves » by Mayne Reid
  • "All the girls wear dresses like this," replied Arethusa, defensively.
  • Extract from : « The Heart of Arethusa » by Francis Barton Fox
  • "I didn't know that he cared for me this way," said Jennie defensively.
  • Extract from : « Jennie Gerhardt » by Theodore Dreiser
  • "Well, Montgomery is interesting just the same," said Phil defensively.
  • Extract from : « Otherwise Phyllis » by Meredith Nicholson
  • "I suppose you never were romantic yourself," put in May defensively.
  • Extract from : « Love in a Cloud » by Arlo Bates
  • “It is the handsomest room in the house,” she said defensively.
  • Extract from : « The Intoxicated Ghost » by Arlo Bates

Synonyms for defensively

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019