What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Passive vs Defensive - What's the difference?

passive | defensive |

As a noun passive

is .

As an adjective defensive is

.

passive

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Being subjected to an action without producing a reaction.
  • Taking no action.
    • He remained passive during the protest.
  • (grammar) Being in the passive voice.
  • (psychology) Being inactive and submissive in a relationship, especially in a sexual one.
  • (finance) Not participating in management.

    • Antonyms

    * active * aggressive

    Synonyms

    * inactive * idle * disinterested * uninvolved

    Derived terms

    * passive-aggressive * passively * passiveness * passive smoking * passive voice * passivity * passivisation / passivization * passivise / passivize

    Related terms

    * passion * passionate * patience * patient

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • (uncountable, grammar) The passive voice of verbs.
  • (countable, grammar) A form of a verb that is in the passive voice.

    • External links

    * * ----

    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 ----