compelling

/kəmˈpɛlɪŋ/

Say it: kum-PEL-ing

1. adjective Evoking interest, attention, or admiration in a powerfully irresistible way.
The documentary was so compelling that I couldn't look away from the screen.
2. adjective Not able to be refuted or doubted; inspiring conviction.
The lawyer presented compelling evidence of her client's innocence.
3. adjective Forcing or obliging someone to do something; creating an irresistible urge.
He felt a compelling need to apologize for his behavior.

📖 Seen in the wild

The lawyer presented a compelling argument that swayed the jury.
collected by @vocablast

✏️ compelling in a sentence

She made a compelling case for why the company needed to change its strategy.
Despite his quiet demeanor, he was a compelling speaker who captivated the audience.
The novel's most compelling character is the villain, not the hero.
There is no compelling reason to believe the rumors are true.
The film offers a compelling glimpse into the lives of deep-sea explorers.
I didn't agree with his conclusion, but his argument was certainly compelling.

🔁 Synonyms & antonyms

fascinating persuasive convincing gripping irresistible captivating engrossing cogent

fascinating · suggests being captivated by something interesting, mysterious, or charming.

persuasive · focuses on the power of argument and reason to convince someone.

convincing · emphasizes the ability to make someone believe that something is true.

gripping · implies holding one's attention so tightly that it's hard to look away, often used for thrillers or dramas.

Opposites: unconvincing, uninteresting, boring, dull, weak

🌱 Where it comes from

The word 'compelling' comes from the Latin verb 'compellere', which means 'to drive together' or 'to force'. This Latin root is a combination of 'com-' (together) and 'pellere' (to drive). Over time, its meaning evolved from a sense of physical force to the modern English sense of an intellectual or emotional force that powerfully captures one's attention or belief.

🧩 How it's used

Common patterns:

compelling argumentcompelling evidencecompelling reasoncompelling storycompelling narrativefind something compelling

Compelling is a strong adjective that works in two main ways: to describe something that is extremely interesting (a compelling story) or an argument that is very convincing (compelling evidence). While it derives from the verb 'compel' (to force), the adjective 'compelling' almost always refers to a psychological or intellectual force, not a physical one. Because of its strength, it is most effective when not overused.

Word family: compel, compulsion, compulsive, compulsively

💬 Quick answers

What does 'compelling' mean?

Compelling describes something that is so interesting or convincing that it grabs your full attention. It can refer to a story that you can't stop watching or evidence that is impossible to deny.

What is the difference between 'compelling' and 'persuasive'?

Compelling suggests an almost irresistible force on your attention or belief, often appealing to emotion and intellect. Persuasive is more focused on using logic and argument to convince someone to agree with a point of view.

Can a person be described as compelling?

Yes, a person can be compelling if they have a personality, presence, or way of speaking that is powerfully fascinating and holds your attention.

Is 'compelling' a formal word?

Compelling is a versatile word that is appropriate for both formal contexts, like legal arguments, and informal conversation. It is generally considered neutral in register.

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