Defendable vs. Defensible: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Defendable means capable of being defended, especially against an attack. Defensible usually implies a position or argument that can be defended logically or morally.
Key Differences
Defendable primarily refers to physical protection or the ability to guard against attacks, emphasizing the practical aspects of defense. Defensible, on the other hand, often pertains to justifications or reasoning, indicating something that can be supported with logical or moral arguments.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
In military contexts, defendable is used to describe locations or positions that can be effectively protected against enemy forces. Defensible, in contrast, is more frequently used in legal or rhetorical contexts, referring to positions or statements that can be upheld through evidence or reasoning.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
Defendable implies a focus on the means of protection, such as resources or strategies suitable for defense. Defensible suggests the presence of valid reasons or principles backing a position or action, highlighting the rationale behind a defensive stance.
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Nov 10, 2023
When discussing strategies or plans, defendable implies the feasibility of safeguarding something from harm or loss. Defensible encompasses a broader context, where the focus is on the legitimacy or acceptability of an action or idea based on ethical or logical grounds.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
Defendable often appears in contexts discussing physical security or tactical scenarios, where the emphasis is on the practicality of defense. Defensible leans towards abstract or theoretical discussions, emphasizing the soundness or integrity of ideas or arguments.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Usage
More in military or security contexts
More in legal, ethical, or rhetorical contexts
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Nov 10, 2023
Emphasis
On practicality of defense
On the integrity of arguments or positions
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Nov 10, 2023
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Defendable and Defensible Definitions
Defendable
Suitable for protection measures
The fort's design was inherently defendable.
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Nov 10, 2023
Defensible
Justifiable by argument
Her decision was defensible in the context of the circumstances.
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Nov 10, 2023
Defendable
Susceptible to physical defense
The strategic location of the town made it easily defendable.
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Nov 10, 2023
Defensible
Capable of being upheld or maintained
The theory was defensible with the current evidence.
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Nov 10, 2023
Defendable
Able to be upheld in a confrontation
His skills made his title as champion defendable.
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Nov 10, 2023
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Defensible
Able to withstand criticism or challenge
Her argument was intellectually defensible.
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Nov 10, 2023
Defendable
Able to be guarded against attack
Their new security system made the building defendable.
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Nov 10, 2023
Defensible
Able to be supported logically
His stance on the issue was ethically defensible.
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Nov 10, 2023
Defendable
Capable of being protected
The castle was highly defendable due to its thick walls.
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Nov 10, 2023
Defensible
Valid in terms of reasoning or morals
The policy was defensible on human rights grounds.
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Nov 10, 2023
Defendable
To make or keep safe from danger, attack, or harm
A vaccine to defend the body from infection.
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Oct 19, 2023
Defensible
Capable of being defended, protected, or justified
Defensible arguments.
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Oct 19, 2023
Defendable
To engage in or be prepared to engage in battle to prevent (a population or area, for example) from being captured or occupied by an enemy.
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Oct 19, 2023
Defensible
(of an installation etc) capable of being defended against armed attack
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Oct 19, 2023
Defendable
To attempt to prevent the opposition from scoring while playing in or near (a goal or area of a field, for example).
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Oct 19, 2023
Defensible
Capable of being defended; as, a defensible city, or a defensible cause.
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Oct 19, 2023
Defendable
To compete against a challenger in an attempt to retain (a championship).
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Oct 19, 2023
Defendable
To support or maintain, as by argument or action; justify
Defended his friend's behavior.
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Oct 19, 2023
Defendable
To attempt to disprove or invalidate (the claim made by a lawsuit or prosecution)
Defend a class action.
Defend a criminal case.
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Oct 19, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What do "Defendable" and "Defensible" mean?
Both refer to something that can be defended, usually in terms of arguments, positions, or physical locations.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
Is "Defendable" a real word?
Yes, it is, but it's less commonly used than "defensible."
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
Which is more commonly used in legal contexts?
"Defensible" is more prevalent in legal contexts.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
Can they be used in a military context?
Yes, both can describe a position that can be defended against attack.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
Can they be used in a non-physical sense?
Yes, they often refer to ideas or arguments that can be defended logically.
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Nov 10, 2023
Are they interchangeable?
In many contexts, they are, but "defensible" is more commonly used, especially in formal writing.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
Are there any synonyms for both words?
Yes, words like "justifiable" and "vindicable" can be synonyms.
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Nov 10, 2023
Is there a noun form for "Defendable"?
No, "defendable" typically doesn't have a distinct noun form.
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Nov 10, 2023
Which is preferred in academic writing?
"Defensible" is generally preferred in academic writing.
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Nov 10, 2023
Do they have any specific legal implications?
"Defensible" can imply a position is justifiable under the law.
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Nov 10, 2023
Do they have different connotations?
Not significantly, but "defensible" may sound slightly more formal.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
Can they be used in a business context?
Yes, in terms of strategies or decisions being defensible or defendable.
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Nov 10, 2023
Which is more likely to be found in dictionaries?
"Defensible" is more commonly listed and defined in most dictionaries.
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Nov 10, 2023
Is "Defendable" used in British English?
Yes, but it's less common than "defensible" in both British and American English.
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Nov 10, 2023
Can they be used in everyday conversation?
Yes, but "defensible" is more likely to be used.
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Nov 10, 2023
Are they found in older texts?
"Defensible" is more common in historical or older texts.
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Nov 10, 2023
How are they used in a sentence?
"His thesis was defensible" or "The castle was defendable due to its high walls."
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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