Compelling

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /kəmˈpɛlɪŋ/

Definitions

1. Inciting strong interest or engagement through persuasive qualities
2. Having qualities that strongly persuade or convince someone; causing deep interest or attracting attention
3. Strongly urging or driving acceptance through clear and powerful reasoning; drawing focus or fascination

Etymology: "Compelling" is simply the present participle of "compel," formed by adding "-ing" to the verb. "Compel" comes from Latin "compellere," meaning "to drive together" or "to force," built from "com-" ("together") and "pellere" ("to drive"). The same "pellere" root sits behind "propel," "expel," and "repel," all of which keep the sense of pushing or driving. The sense of the adjective has moved a long way from force. Where "compel" once meant to press someone into an action against their will, "compelling" came to describe something so strong in its pull that it overrides our indifference, whether a story that holds us or an argument that wins us over. Force has become attraction, and the word now describes the feeling of being drawn in rather than driven.

Synonyms: convincing, persuasive, irresistible, enthralling, gripping

Antonyms: unconvincing, disengaging, boring, unpersuasive