Definitions
- Describing someone who is excessively protective of themselves or their ideas. - Referring to a person who becomes defensive even when not being attacked or criticized. - Talking about a person who is quick to defend themselves or their beliefs, often to an extreme degree.
- Describing someone who is easily offended or upset by criticism or jokes. - Referring to a person who is sensitive to comments or actions that others might not find offensive. - Talking about a person who is quick to take offense or become defensive in response to perceived slights.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe a tendency to become defensive or sensitive.
- 2Both words suggest a person who is easily provoked or feels threatened.
- 3Both words can be used to describe a negative personality trait.
What is the difference?
- 1Extent: Overdefensive suggests a more extreme level of defensiveness than touchy.
- 2Cause: Overdefensive implies that the person is defensive even when there is no real threat or criticism, while touchy suggests that the person is sensitive to perceived slights or insults.
- 3Response: Overdefensive suggests a more aggressive or confrontational response to perceived threats, while touchy implies a more passive or defensive response.
- 4Context: Overdefensive is often used in professional or intellectual contexts, while touchy is more commonly used in personal or emotional contexts.
- 5Connotation: Overdefensive has a more negative connotation than touchy, suggesting an excessive or irrational response to criticism or feedback.
Remember this!
Overdefensive and touchy are both words that describe a tendency to become defensive or sensitive. However, overdefensive suggests a more extreme and aggressive response to perceived threats, while touchy implies a more passive or defensive response to perceived slights or insults. Overdefensive is often used in professional or intellectual contexts, while touchy is more commonly used in personal or emotional contexts.
