Compelling: meaning, definitions and examples

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compelling

 

[ kəmˈpɛlɪŋ ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

storytelling

Evoking interest, attention, or admiration in a powerfully irresistible way. Having a strong effect on someone because it is exciting, interesting, or of great quality.

Synonyms

captivating, engaging, gripping, riveting

Examples of usage

  • The movie had a compelling storyline that kept the audience on the edge of their seats.
  • Her compelling performance in the play earned her a standing ovation.
  • The novel's compelling characters drew readers in from the very first page.
Context #2 | Adjective

arguments

Forcing someone to believe or do something because it is so convincing. Having a persuasive or convincing effect.

Synonyms

cogent, convincing, forceful, persuasive

Examples of usage

  • His argument was so compelling that even his opponents had to concede to his point.
  • The evidence presented by the prosecution was compelling enough to secure a guilty verdict.
  • The compelling logic of her reasoning left no room for doubt.

Translations

Translations of the word "compelling" in other languages:

🇵🇹 convincente

🇮🇳 आकर्षक

🇩🇪 überzeugend

🇮🇩 meyakinkan

🇺🇦 переконливий

🇵🇱 przekonujący

🇯🇵 説得力のある

🇫🇷 convaincant

🇪🇸 convincente

🇹🇷 ikna edici

🇰🇷 설득력 있는

🇸🇦 مقنع

🇨🇿 přesvědčivý

🇸🇰 presvedčivý

🇨🇳 令人信服的

🇸🇮 prepričljiv

🇮🇸 sannfærandi

🇰🇿 сендіретін

🇬🇪 დამაჯერებელი

🇦🇿 inandırıcı

🇲🇽 convincente

Etymology

The word 'compelling' originated from the Latin word 'compellere', which means 'to drive together' or 'to force'. It entered the English language in the late 16th century with the meaning 'to drive or urge forcefully or irresistibly'. Over time, the word evolved to also describe something that is captivating or persuasive. Today, 'compelling' is commonly used in storytelling, arguments, and various forms of communication to describe something that is powerful and irresistible.

See also: compelled, compellingly, compellingness, compulsion, uncompelling.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,326 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.