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Insecure vs Defensive - What's the difference?

insecure | defensive |

As adjectives the difference between insecure and defensive

is that insecure is not secure while defensive is intended for defence; protective.

As a noun defensive is

a means, attitude or position of defense.

insecure

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Not secure.
  • Not comfortable or confident in oneself or in certain situations.
  • *{{quote-book, year=1963, author=(Margery Allingham)
    • , title=(The China Governess) , chapter=1 citation , passage=The half-dozen pieces […] were painted white and carved with festoons of flowers, birds and cupids. […]  The bed was the most extravagant piece.  Its graceful cane halftester rose high towards the cornice and was so festooned in carved white wood that the effect was positively insecure , as if the great couch were trimmed with icing sugar.}}
    He's a nice guy and all, but seems to be rather insecure around other people.

    Antonyms

    * (not comfortable or confident) confident, self-confident

    Derived terms

    * insecurity

    Anagrams

    *

    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. }}

    Related terms

    * on the defensive ----