C1adjective2K

Compelling

UK /["/kəmˈpelɪŋ/"]/US /["/kəmˈpelɪŋ/"]/

Definition

that makes you pay attention to it because it is so interesting and exciting

In simple words: Very interesting or convincing.

Examples

  • Her latest book makes compelling reading.
  • His eyes were strangely compelling.
  • a **compelling need/desire**
  • He was a sad man with a compelling need to talk about his unhappiness.
  • There is no compelling reason to believe him.
  • The new studies provide compelling evidence in support of these concepts.
  • The logic of this point of view is not compelling and is not supported by the data.
  • There is no logically compelling argument to support their claims.

Usage notes

Use 'compelling' to describe something that grabs attention, like a story or argument. It's appropriate in formal essays but can be used in casual conversation too.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of 'compel'—something that pulls you in strongly, like a magnet.

Collocations

  • be
  • become
  • find something
  • very
  • utterly
  • oddly
  • be
  • extremely
  • fairly
  • very
  • be
  • extremely
  • fairly
  • very

Synonyms

  • interesting
  • engaging
  • captivating
  • inspiring
  • forceful

Antonyms

  • unconvincing
  • boring
  • dull

Common mistakes

  • 'Compelling' used incorrectly with a negative connotation, as it always implies something positive.
  • Confusing 'compelling' with 'compelled' which means forced to do something.
  • 'Compelling' used as a noun instead of an adjective.