defensively
adverb/dɪˈfɛnsɪvli/
Frequency rank: #9,719 most common English word
Meaning
in a way that shows one is trying to protect oneself from criticism or attack.
Example sentence
He answered the reporter's questions defensively, folding his arms and avoiding eye contact.
Synonyms & related words
- guardedly
- cautiously
- protectively
- warily
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