Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'defensive'

English Word: defensive

Key Russian Translations:

• защитный [zɐˈɕːitnɨj] - [Formal, Adjective]
• оборонительный [ɐbɐˈrotʲɪlʲnɨj] - [Formal, Adjective, Often Military Context]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for both translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

защитный: [zɐˈɕːitnɨj]

Note on защитный: Pay attention to the soft 'щ' sound, which is distinct in Russian and often challenging for non-native speakers.

оборонительный: [ɐbɐˈrotʲɪlʲnɨj]

Note on оборонительный: Stress falls on the third syllable; the 'р' is rolled, typical of Russian pronunciation.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Protective or Guarding (Physical or Abstract)

Translation(s) & Context:

• защитный - Used for protective gear, mechanisms, or attitudes (e.g., a defensive posture in a debate).

Usage Examples:

• Он надел защитный шлем перед игрой.

  He put on a defensive (protective) helmet before the game.

• Её защитный тон показал, что она не хочет обсуждать эту тему.

  Her defensive tone showed that she didn’t want to discuss this topic.

• Защитный слой краски предохраняет металл от коррозии.

  The defensive (protective) layer of paint prevents the metal from corroding.

2. Related to Defense in Military or Strategic Contexts

Translation(s) & Context:

• оборонительный - Used in military or strategic contexts, often referring to defensive tactics or structures.

Usage Examples:

• Армия заняла оборонительную позицию на границе.

  The army took a defensive position at the border.

• Оборонительный план был разработан для защиты города.

  A defensive plan was developed to protect the city.

• Они построили оборонительные укрепления вокруг лагеря.

  They built defensive fortifications around the camp.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

защитный (Adjective): Follows standard Russian adjective declension rules based on gender, number, and case.

оборонительный (Adjective): Follows similar adjective declension patterns as above.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for защитный:

• предохранительный
• охранный

Note: "предохранительный" often implies prevention, while "охранный" is closer to guarding or security.

Synonyms for оборонительный:

• защищающий

Antonyms for both:

• наступательный (offensive)
• агрессивный (aggressive)

Related Phrases:

• защитный механизм - Defensive mechanism (literal or psychological).
• оборонительная тактика - Defensive tactics (often in military or sports contexts).
• защитная реакция - Defensive reaction (biological or emotional response).

Usage Notes:

• "защитный" is more versatile and can be used in both literal (e.g., protective gear) and figurative (e.g., defensive attitude) senses, while "оборонительный" is almost exclusively used in strategic or military contexts.
• Be mindful of the context when choosing between the two translations, as using "оборонительный" in a non-military context may sound overly formal or incorrect.
• Both adjectives must agree in gender, number, and case with the noun they modify, following standard Russian grammar rules.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "оборонительный" for personal or emotional contexts. Example: *Его оборонительный тон раздражал всех.* (Incorrect)
• Correction: Use "защитный" instead: Его защитный тон раздражал всех. (Correct - His defensive tone annoyed everyone.)
• Explanation: "оборонительный" is tied to strategic defense, not personal behavior or emotions.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of defense (especially "оборонительный") carries significant historical weight due to the country's history of wars and invasions. Terms like "оборонительная война" (defensive war) are often associated with patriotic narratives, such as the defense during World War II.

Related Concepts:

• защита (defense/protection)
• оборона (defense, military)
• безопасность (security)