Word
compelling
Meanings
Very interesting or engaging, so that it holds your attention.
Very convincing; making someone believe something or accept a point of view.
Definition
Very interesting or convincing in a way that makes people pay attention or believe something.
If something is compelling, it attracts your attention strongly or makes you feel you should keep watching, reading, or listening. It can also mean that an argument or piece of evidence is so convincing that it is hard to ignore. The word often suggests a powerful effect on thoughts, feelings, or decisions.
Examples
- The documentary offered a compelling portrait of the city’s changing neighborhoods.
- I found her explanation compelling, even though I still had a few questions.
- His lawyer presented compelling evidence that shifted the jury’s mood in the room.
- They delivered a compelling pitch that made the committee reconsider its initial decision.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse compelling with compulsory; compelling means “very convincing/engaging,” not “required.”
More at C1 level
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- xenophobia Xenophobia is a strong dislike or fear of people from other countries or cultures.
- genocide Genocide is the deliberate killing of a large number of people from a particular group in order to …
- conundrum A conundrum is a confusing and difficult problem to solve.
- pretentious Trying to seem more important, intelligent, or cultured than you really are.
More adjectives
- agnostic An agnostic is someone who does not claim to know whether God exists.
- pragmatic Pragmatic means focused on practical results rather than ideals or theories.
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- cynical Cynical describes believing that people are mainly motivated by self-interest and not sincere.
- apathetic Apathetic means showing little or no interest, concern, or enthusiasm.