defensiva (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

• Defensiva is a feminine noun in Spanish. It can also be used as an adjective.

Phonetic Transcription

• /defenˈsi.βa/

Translation Options into English

• Defensive

Meaning and Usage

Defensiva refers to a strategy or posture of defense, typically used in various contexts including military, sports, and general situations where a person, team, or entity is protecting itself from attacks or offenses.

• In military terms, it implies a tactical position aimed at resisting an attack.
• In sports, it refers to the strategies employed to prevent the opposing team from scoring.
• In general contexts, it can describe someone's attitude or behavior when they feel threatened or vulnerable.

Frequency of Use: The term is used frequently in both oral and written contexts, especially in discussions related to sports and military tactics.

Example Sentences

1. La táctica defensiva del equipo fue efectiva y logró mantener el marcador.
   The defensive tactic of the team was effective and managed to keep the score intact.

2. En una guerra, una buena estrategia defensiva puede ser clave para la victoria.
   In a war, a good defensive strategy can be key to victory.

3. En debates, es común que las personas adopten una postura defensiva si se sienten atacadas.
   In debates, it is common for people to adopt a defensive stance if they feel attacked.

Idiomatic Expressions

Though "defensiva" is not a focal point in many idiomatic expressions, it does contribute to some phrases that indicate protective or cautious behaviors:

1. Estar a la defensiva – To be on the defensive.

2. Estaba a la defensiva durante la discusión, temiendo que sus ideas fueran criticadas.
   He was on the defensive during the discussion, fearing that his ideas would be criticized.

3. Bajar la guardia – To let one's guard down (literally, to lower the guard).

4. No es bueno bajar la guardia en situaciones críticas, siempre hay que estar a la defensiva.
   It is not good to let your guard down in critical situations; you must always be defensive.

5. Tomar una postura defensiva – To take a defensive stance.

6. Al recibir la crítica, decidió tomar una postura defensiva en lugar de escuchar las sugerencias.
   When receiving the criticism, he decided to take a defensive stance instead of listening to the suggestions.

Etymology

The word defensiva comes from the Latin "defensivus," which means "defensive." It incorporates the root "defendere," meaning "to defend."

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - Protección (protection) - Respaldo (backing)

Antonyms: - Ofensiva (offensive) - Ataque (attack)

This comprehensive examination covers the meaning, usage, idiomatic expressions, etymology, and linguistic context of "defensiva" in Spanish.