compelling
gb/kəmpˈɛlɪŋ/ us/kəmpˈɛlɪŋ/
B2
English
~ 9700
lebilincselő, magával ragadó, meggyőző, sürgető, ellenállhatatlan, nyomós, kényszerít, kötelez
B2
1
lebilincselő
B2
Usage pattern:
[something] is compelling
The documentary was so compelling that I watched all three episodes in one night.
A dokumentumfilm annyira lebilincselő volt, hogy egyetlen este alatt megnéztem mindhárom részt.
She delivered a compelling performance that kept the audience silent from start to finish.
Olyan magával ragadó alakítást nyújtott, hogy a közönség az elejétől a végéig csendben maradt.
It’s a compelling novel, full of complex characters and surprising turns.
The first ten minutes weren’t very compelling, but then the film became much more engaging.
He has a compelling presence on stage that makes it hard to look away.
Learner examples
The movie was very compelling, so we did not look at our phones.
A film nagyon lebilincselő volt, ezért rá sem néztünk a telefonunkra.
I found her talk compelling and wanted to hear more.
Nagyon lebilincselőnek találtam az előadását, és még többet akartam hallani.
This book is compelling; I read it in one day.
The speaker’s voice was calm but compelling.
The game is compelling because the story is strong.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use "compelling" when they only mean "nice" or "a bit interesting". "Compelling" is stronger and suggests that something powerfully holds your attention. Also, avoid saying *"I am compelling to this movie"*; instead say "This movie is compelling" or "I find this movie compelling."
Meaning
very interesting and attention-grabbing
Collocations
compelling story
|compelling narrative
|compelling character
|compelling performance
|compelling content
|compelling drama
Synonyms
captivating (Emphasizes holding someone’s attention in a charming or fascinating way; slightly more emotional or romantic in tone.)
|
gripping (Very similar, but often used more for exciting or suspenseful stories, especially in films and books.)
Antonyms
boring (Describes something that fails to hold attention, the opposite of what makes something compelling in this sense.)
|
dull (Suggests a lack of interest or excitement, directly contrasting the strong interest of something compelling.)
Themes
media
|emotions
|communication
|arts_entertainment
Definition
Very interesting in a strong way, so you want to keep watching, reading, or listening.
So interesting and powerful that it holds your full attention and makes you want to continue watching, reading, or listening.
C1
2
meggyőző
B2
Usage pattern:
[something] is a compelling [argument/reason/case]
She made a compelling argument for investing in renewable energy.
Meggyőző érvet hozott fel a megújuló energiába való befektetés mellett.
There is compelling evidence that the policy has reduced crime.
Meggyőző bizonyítékok vannak arra, hogy az intézkedés csökkentette a bűnözést.
We need a more compelling reason before changing the company’s strategy.
His lawyer presented a compelling case that raised serious doubts about his guilt.
The data provides compelling support for the researchers’ theory.
Learner examples
The teacher gave a compelling reason to start the project now.
A tanár meggyőző okot adott arra, hogy most kezdjük el a projektet.
They showed compelling evidence that the product is safe.
Meggyőző bizonyítékot mutattak be arra, hogy a termék biztonságos.
Her email was compelling, so I decided to join the team.
We do not have a compelling argument to spend more money.
The article gives a compelling case for studying abroad.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes say *"so much compelling"* instead of "very compelling" or "so compelling". Also, "compelling" usually describes things like arguments, reasons, evidence, or cases, not people directly. Say "He gave a compelling argument", not *"He is a compelling to me"* in this sense.
Meaning
strongly convincing or persuasive
Collocations
compelling argument
|compelling reason
|compelling evidence
|compelling case
|compelling example
|compelling justification
Synonyms
persuasive (General word for making people agree; "compelling" suggests an even stronger, harder-to-resist effect.)
|
convincing (Very close in meaning; "compelling" often adds a sense of urgency or great strength.)
Antonyms
unconvincing (Describes arguments or reasons that fail to persuade, the direct opposite of compelling in this sense.)
|
weak (Used for arguments or evidence that lack strength or support, contrasting with the force of a compelling argument.)
Themes
communication
|law
|business
|education
Definition
Very strong and easy to believe, so it makes people agree or change their mind.
Describing an argument, reason, or evidence that is so strong and clear that it is very hard to disagree with.
C1
3
Usage pattern:
[someone] feels a compelling [need/urge] to [do something]
She felt a compelling need to return to her hometown.
Sürgető szükségét érezte annak, hogy visszatérjen a szülővárosába.
There is no compelling reason to change the current plan.
Nincs nyomós ok a jelenlegi terv megváltoztatására.
Compelling circumstances forced them to leave the country.
He had a compelling urge to check his phone every few minutes.
Only in compelling cases will the judge reduce the sentence.
Learner examples
I have a compelling need to rest this weekend.
Sürgető szükségét érzem annak, hogy ezen a hétvégén pihenjek.
They moved for compelling personal reasons.
Nyomós személyes okok miatt költöztek el.
There is no compelling reason to quit your job now.
She felt a compelling urge to call her mother.
The company acted because of compelling financial pressure.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse this with simply "important" or "big". "Compelling" here suggests that the need or reason almost forces an action. Also, do not say *"I am compelling to go"*; instead say "I feel a compelling need to go" or "I feel compelled to go" (using the passive verb form).
Meaning
strong and urgent, hard to resist
Collocations
compelling need
|compelling urge
|compelling desire
|compelling obligation
|compelling circumstances
|compelling pressure
Synonyms
overpowering (Suggests a very strong, almost uncontrollable force, especially for emotions or urges.)
|
irresistible (Focuses on the feeling that you cannot stop yourself; can sometimes sound less formal or more emotional.)
Antonyms
weak (Describes a low level of need or pressure, which can be easily ignored, unlike a compelling need.)
|
optional (Suggests there is no strong need or obligation, the opposite of a compelling need or obligation.)
Themes
emotions
|psychology
|society
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Very strong and urgent, so you feel you must act and cannot easily say no.
Describing a need, urge, or circumstance that is so strong or powerful that it feels impossible or very difficult to ignore.
VERB
C1
4
kényszerít
B1
kötelez
B2
Usage pattern:
[someone] is compelling [someone] to [do something]
They are compelling residents to leave the area for safety reasons.
Biztonsági okokból arra kényszerítik a lakosokat, hogy hagyják el a területet.
The court is compelling the company to release the internal documents.
A bíróság arra kötelezi a vállalatot, hogy adja ki a belső dokumentumokat.
Social norms are compelling him to follow a career path he does not really want.
Learner examples
The law is compelling drivers to wear seat belts.
A törvény kötelezi a járművezetőket a biztonsági öv használatára.
Her parents are compelling her to study medicine.
A szülei arra kényszerítik, hogy orvostudományt tanuljon.
The contract is compelling the company to pay a fine.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse "compelling" (the -ing verb form of "compel") with the adjective meaning "interesting". In sentences like "The movie is compelling", it is an adjective, not a verb form. For the verb meaning, you usually mention who is making whom do what: "They are compelling him to sign".
Meaning
forcing someone to do something
Collocations
compelling someone to act
|compelling obedience
|compelling payment
|compelling attendance
|compelling disclosure
|compelling performance of a duty
Synonyms
forcing (Very close in meaning; "forcing" is more common in everyday speech, while "compelling" can sound slightly more formal or legal.)
Antonyms
allowing (Suggests giving someone freedom to choose, the opposite of compelling them to act.)
|
permitting (Emphasizes giving permission rather than using pressure or force.)
Themes
law
|society
|power
|work
Definition
Making someone do something, using force, rules, or strong pressure.
Present participle of "compel": causing someone to do something by using power, authority, or strong pressure.
Grammar
Dictionary form
compelling
IPA
GB/kəmpˈɛlɪŋ/
US/kəmpˈɛlɪŋ/
Syllables & stress
com - pel - ling (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (pel)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: compelling
Word family
Core family
Related words
Negative and opposite forms
uncompelling
adjective
Advanced or less common
compulsorily
adverb
Expressions
a compelling argument
1/ə kəmpˈɛlɪŋ ˈɑɹɡjəmənt/
fixed phrase
a very strong, persuasive argument
An argument that is so strong and clear that it is very hard to disagree with it.
Examples
- She made a compelling argument for increasing the budget.
- That is a compelling argument, and it changed my mind.
a compelling case for
1/ə kəmpˈɛlɪŋ kˈeɪs fɚ/
fixed phrase
formal
a strong set of reasons for something
Many strong reasons that clearly support an idea, plan, or change.
Examples
- The report makes a compelling case for investing in public transport.
- They presented a compelling case for changing the law.
a compelling need to
1/ə kəmpˈɛlɪŋ nˈid tə/
fixed phrase
a very strong, urgent need to act
A very strong and urgent need to do something, that feels hard to ignore.
Examples
- He felt a compelling need to apologize.
- There is a compelling need to reduce our energy use.
a compelling reason
1/ə kəmpˈɛlɪŋ ɹˈizən/
fixed phrase
a very strong reason
A very good and important reason that makes an action feel necessary.
Examples
- Do you have a compelling reason for being late?
- We need a compelling reason before we cancel the event.
compelling evidence
1/kəmpˈɛlɪŋ ˈɛvədəns/
fixed phrase
very strong and convincing evidence
Information or facts that are so strong that almost everyone will believe them.
Examples
- The report provides compelling evidence that the drug is effective.
- There is compelling evidence linking the company to the scandal.