How to Pronounce "on the defensive"
expression
ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /dɪˈfɛnsɪv
ON THUH di-FEN-siv
ˈɒn/ /ðə, ði/ /dɪfˈɛnsɪv
ON thuh di-FEN-siv
Definition
If you are on the defensive, you are protecting yourself from criticism, attack, or blame, rather than attacking or criticizing others.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /dɪˈfɛnsɪv
British English
ˈɒn/ /ðə, ði/ /dɪfˈɛnsɪv
Simplified Pronunciation
US
ON THUH di-FEN-siv
UK
ON thuh di-FEN-siv
Listen in Context
After the question, he was on the defensive.
The team played on the defensive all night.
She gets on the defensive when criticized.
Why are you suddenly on the defensive? I'm just asking a question.