slightly defensive

Frequency: 6.510.2 per million words

Feeling or showing to a small degree that you are being criticized.

defensiveADVERB + defensive

Categories:

slightly

Examples (10)

  • Her voice sounded slightly defensive when I asked about her progress.
  • He became slightly defensive when we questioned his calculations.
  • She got slightly defensive about her choice of paint color for the living room.
  • I noticed he was slightly defensive during the performance review.
  • Why are you getting slightly defensive? It was just a suggestion.
  • The artist is known to be slightly defensive about his early work.
  • In her reply, she seemed slightly defensive, as if I had accused her of something.
  • When the coach pointed out his error, the player grew slightly defensive.
  • I couldn't help but feel slightly defensive when my methods were challenged.
  • There's no need to be slightly defensive; we're all on the same team here.