Compelling
/kəmˈpɛlɪŋ/
adjectiveB2present participle (used as adjective)
Definition
Compelling describes something that is very powerful or interesting. It can be an idea, story, reason, or person that attracts your attention strongly and makes you want to listen, believe, or act. It often means you cannot ignore it because it feels important or convincing.
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See It in Action
Very interesting or exciting, so attention is held strongly
- •The movie was so compelling that I watched it twice.
- •She told a compelling story about her travels.
- •The book’s compelling characters made me care about their fate.
Strong and convincing, making someone believe or accept something
- •The lawyer gave a compelling argument that won the case.
- •There is compelling evidence that the new medicine works.
- •His reasons for quitting were very compelling and understandable.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "compelling" like "interesting," but much stronger—it pulls you in and does not let you look away
- ✓Picture a movie or book that you cannot stop watching or reading because it is so exciting and convincing
- ✓It's the feeling when someone tells a story that makes you believe them without any doubt
- ✓Sounds like "come-PELL-ing" → imagine something that "pulls" (like a magnet) you to it and doesn't let go
- ✓Think of a lawyer giving a strong argument in court that makes everyone believe their side
- ✓NOT like "boring" (makes you want to leave), "compelling" keeps you focused and involved
- ✓NOT like "force" (physical push) — "compelling" is about mental or emotional pull, not physical force
- ✓NOT like "simple interest" — "compelling" is deep and strong, not just a little bit interesting
Try Other Words
- •Convincing: making someone believe something (Use when the focus is on making people accept an idea or fact)
- •Fascinating: extremely interesting or charming (Use when something attracts attention in a very pleasant or exciting way)
- •Persuasive: able to make people agree or do something (Use when talking about arguments or speech that influences others)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "com-" (together, with) + "pel" (drive, push) + "-ing" (present participle suffix)
- •Etymology: From Latin "compellere," meaning to drive together or forcefully bring about
- •Historical development: Originally meant to force or drive someone to do something, now used more for strong attraction or influence
- •Modern usage: Used as an adjective to describe something very strong, interesting, or convincing that makes people pay attention or believe
Reflect & Connect
•What kinds of stories or ideas do you find most compelling, and why?
•Can something be too compelling, making it hard to think critically? How would you handle that?
Fill in the blanks
1.The speaker’s compelling ___ made everyone listen carefully to the message.
2.She found the evidence so compelling that she ___ to change her opinion.
3.Unlike boring facts, compelling information usually ___ strong emotions or interest.
4.When a story is compelling, people often ___ to hear more or learn the ending.
5.A compelling argument is often supported ___ clear reasons and examples.
6.The movie was so compelling that I couldn’t ___ my eyes from the screen.
7.Compelling reasons for action usually come from ___ and strong feelings, not just weak ideas.