compelling
English meaning: Compelling
Definition
Powerfully convincing, interesting, or attractive; commanding attention.
Example
“She presented a compelling argument that left even her critics struggling to respond.”
Another example: “The novel's opening chapter is so compelling that you can't put it down.”
Usage — When, Where & How
A strong positive adjective meaning powerfully convincing or attractive ('a compelling argument', 'compelling evidence'); also of stories or performances that grip you. In legal/formal use, 'compelling reason' means one strong enough to justify action.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From Latin 'compellere' (to drive together), from 'com-' plus 'pellere' (to drive).
Synonyms
- convincing
- persuasive
- gripping
- powerful
- forceful
Antonyms / Opposites
- unconvincing
- weak
- dull
Related Words
Common Collocations
- compelling argument
- compelling evidence
- compelling reason
- compelling story
- compelling case
Word Forms
compelling (adj); compellingly (adv); compel (v)
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B