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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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
compelling

Useful when describing something that irresistibly attracts attention due to its strong appeal or convincing nature, often used in intellectual or persuasive contexts.

  • Her speech was so compelling that everyone in the room was convinced to support the cause.
  • The evidence presented by the prosecutor was compelling, leaving little doubt about the defendant's guilt.
captivating

Best suited for describing something that fascinates or enchants completely, usually in an aesthetic or emotional sense.

  • The movie's captivating storyline kept the audience enthralled from start to finish.
  • Her captivating smile could win anyone over in a second.
engaging

Appropriate for describing something that holds interest and captures the attention in a friendly or pleasant manner, often used in social or interactive contexts.

  • The teacher's engaging style made learning enjoyable for the students.
  • He has an engaging personality that makes him great company.
riveting

Appropriate for describing something that is absolutely engrossing or completely fascinating, often in situations that are spellbinding.

  • The scientist's presentation was riveting, capturing everyone's undivided attention.
  • The documentary was riveting, providing new insights into the subject matter.
gripping

Used when something is so exciting or intense that it absorbs all attention, often related to suspenseful or dramatic situations.

  • The book was so gripping that I couldn’t put it down until I finished it.
  • The gripping thriller had everyone on the edge of their seats.

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
compelling

Best used when describing something that is very interesting or attention-grabbing, making someone feel they have to pay attention or agree.

  • The novel's compelling plot kept me up all night
  • She made a compelling case for climate action
persuasive

Applies to someone or something that is good at persuading someone to do or believe something through reasoning or the use of temptation.

  • The salesman's pitch was very persuasive
  • Her persuasive speech swayed the opinion of the crowd
convincing

When describing something that is able to make someone believe that something is true or real.

  • The evidence against the suspect was convincing
  • His explanation was very convincing and left no doubt
forceful

Used when discussing a statement, argument, or person that is strong and confident, capable of impressing others. It can have a slightly negative connotation if it implies being overly strong.

  • She made a forceful argument for the new law
  • His forceful personality often intimidates others
cogent

Usually applied to arguments or reasons that are clear, logical, and convincing.

  • Her cogent argument convinced the jury
  • The report provided cogent reasons for the policy changes

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.