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Assertive vs Defensive - What's the difference?

assertive | defensive |

As adjectives the difference between assertive and defensive

is that assertive is boldly self-assured; confident without being aggressive while defensive is intended for defence; protective.

As a noun defensive is

a means, attitude or position of defense.

assertive

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • boldly self-assured; confident without being aggressive
  • Derived terms

    * assertiveness

    defensive

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Intended for defence; protective.
  • a defensive perimeter
  • Intended to deter attack.
  • a defensive missile system
  • Performed so as to minimise risk.
  • defensive driving
  • Displaying an inordinate sensitivity to criticism.
  • (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.
  • (sports) Pertaining to defense, as opposed to attack.
  • * {{quote-news
  • , year=2011 , date=September 2 , author=Phil McNulty , title=Bulgaria 0-3 England , work=BBC citation , page= , passage=The Italian opted for Bolton's Cahill alongside captain John Terry - and his decision was rewarded with a goal after only 13 minutes. Bulgaria gave a hint of defensive frailties to come when they failed to clear Young's corner, and when Gareth Barry found Cahill in the box he applied the finish past Nikolay Mihaylov.}}
  • In a state or posture of defense.
  • (Milton)

    Antonyms

    * offensive

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A means, attitude or position of defense.
  • * {{quote-news, year=2007, date=May 26, author=Julia Werdigier, title=Consolidating the Banks of Europe, work=New York Times citation
  • , passage=Such kinds of defensives are really rather protecting the local companies than the consumers. }}