compelling

compelling
[[t]kəmpe̱lɪŋ[/t]]
1) ADJ-GRADED: usu ADJ n A compelling argument or reason is one that convinces you that something is true or that something should be done.

Factual and forensic evidence makes a suicide verdict the most compelling answer to the mystery of his death...

My second and more compelling reason for going to Dearborn was to see the Henry Ford Museum.

2) ADJ-GRADED If you describe something such as a film or book, or someone's appearance, as compelling, you mean you want to keep looking at it or reading it because you find it so interesting.

...a frighteningly violent yet compelling film...

Her eyes were her best feature, wide-set and compelling.

Derived words:
compellingly ADV-GRADED ADV with v, ADV adj

She wrote compellingly, with great zest.


English dictionary. 2008.

Игры ⚽ Поможем решить контрольную работу

Look at other dictionaries:

  • compelling — adj: that compels: tending to demand action or to convince a compelling need for disclosure a compelling argument Merriam Webster’s Dictionary of Law. Merriam Webster. 1996. compelling …   Law dictionary

  • compelling — compelling, compulsive Both words involve a sense of strong urging and are derived from Latin compellere meaning ‘to drive on’. An activity or habit that is compulsive affects an individual in a way they cannot control (a near synonym is… …   Modern English usage

  • compelling — [kəm pel′iŋ] adj. 1. that compels 2. irresistibly or keenly interesting, attractive, etc.; captivating [a compelling drama] compellingly adv …   English World dictionary

  • compelling — c.1600, prp. adj. from COMPEL (Cf. compel). Meaning irresistible is from 1901 …   Etymology dictionary

  • compelling — telling, convincing, cogent, sound, *valid …   New Dictionary of Synonyms

  • compelling — ► ADJECTIVE ▪ powerfully evoking attention or admiration. DERIVATIVES compellingly adverb …   English terms dictionary

  • compelling — com|pel|ling [kəmˈpelıŋ] adj 1.) compelling reason/argument/case etc an argument etc that makes you feel certain that something is true or that you must do something about it ▪ Lucy had no compelling reason to go into town. ▪ The court was… …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • compelling — adj. 1 holding your attention VERBS ▪ be ▪ become ▪ find sth ADVERB ▪ very ▪ utterly …   Collocations dictionary

  • compelling — adjective Date: 1606 that compels: as a. forceful < a compelling personality > b. demanding attention < for compelling reasons > c. convincing < no compelling evidence > • compellingly …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • compelling — /keuhm pel ing/, adj. 1. tending to compel; overpowering: compelling reasons. 2. having a powerful and irresistible effect; requiring acute admiration, attention, or respect: a man of compelling integrity; a compelling drama. [1490 1500; COMPEL + …   Universalium

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