compellingly
gb/kəmpˈɛlɪŋli/ us/kəmpˈɛlɪŋli/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
adverb
C1
property
1
in a convincing, persuasive way
In a way that is very convincing.
Usage pattern:
[someone] argues/presents/explains [something] compellingly
Common mistake:
Don’t use it as an adjective before a noun (say “a compelling argument,” not “a compellingly argument”).
Synonyms
convincingly (More common and slightly less formal.)
|
persuasively (Emphasizes influencing someone’s opinion.)
Antonyms
unconvincingly (Fails to make something seem believable.)
|
unpersuasively (Does not succeed in persuading.)
Collocations
argue compellingly
|make the case compellingly
|present evidence compellingly
|demonstrate compellingly
|explain compellingly
|persuade compellingly
|write compellingly
|put it compellingly
|state compellingly
|show compellingly
Themes
communication
|writing
|education
|business
Examples
- She argued compellingly that the policy would hurt small businesses.
- The lawyer presented the timeline compellingly, and the jury followed every step.
- The report compellingly shows why the budget needs to change.
Learner examples
- He explained his idea compellingly.
- The speaker made her point compellingly.
adverb
C1
property
2
in an engaging, attention-holding way
In a way that makes you want to keep watching or reading.
Usage pattern:
[something] is told/described/shot compellingly
Common mistake:
Don’t confuse with “compulsively” (doing something repeatedly, often without control).
Synonyms
captivatingly (Suggests a strong ‘can’t look away’ effect.)
|
engrossingly (Emphasizes being absorbed in it.)
Antonyms
boringly (Fails to keep attention.)
|
dully (Lacks energy or interest.)
Collocations
tell a story compellingly
|write compellingly
|describe compellingly
|portray compellingly
|capture compellingly
|depict compellingly
|narrate compellingly
|shot compellingly
|structured compellingly
|unfold compellingly
Themes
media
|writing
|arts
|emotions
Examples
- The documentary is paced compellingly, with each scene building on the last.
- He writes compellingly about ordinary life, making small moments feel important.
- The characters are drawn so compellingly that you care what happens to them.
Learner examples
- She tells stories compellingly.
- The film begins compellingly.
adverb
formal
C2
property
3
with strong force or impact
In a very strong and powerful way.
Usage pattern:
[something] strikes/impresses/affects [someone] compellingly
Common mistake:
This sense is about impact/effect, not about forcing someone physically.
Synonyms
powerfully (More general and widely used.)
|
forcefully (Suggests strong emphasis or pressure.)
Antonyms
weakly (Has little effect or strength.)
|
mildly (Has only a small effect.)
Collocations
compellingly powerful
|compellingly direct
|compellingly honest
|compellingly simple
|compellingly vivid
|compellingly apparent
|compellingly clear
|compellingly intense
|compellingly moving
|compellingly real
Themes
emotions
|communication
|news
Examples
- Her final line lands compellingly, leaving the room silent.
- The photograph conveys loss compellingly without showing anything graphic.
- The data points to the same conclusion compellingly.
Learner examples
- The message comes across compellingly.
adverb
formal
C1
property
4
in a way that shows necessity
In a way that shows something must be done.
Usage pattern:
[something] compellingly demonstrates/indicates [a need/requirement]
Common mistake:
This is usually used with verbs like “demonstrate/indicate/show,” not for personal preferences.
Synonyms
inescapably (Emphasizes that a conclusion cannot reasonably be avoided.)
|
decisively (Emphasizes that the evidence settles the question.)
Antonyms
optionally (Suggests something is a choice, not a necessity.)
|
inconclusively (Does not clearly support a necessary conclusion.)
Collocations
compellingly demonstrates the need
|compellingly indicates
|compellingly suggests
|compellingly shows
|compellingly supports the conclusion
|compellingly points to
|compellingly argues for
|compellingly justifies
|compellingly underlines
|compellingly confirms
Themes
business
|law
|public_policy
Examples
- The audit compellingly demonstrates the need for tighter controls.
- Taken together, the interviews compellingly indicate that the system is failing.
- The results compellingly justify further investment in prevention.
Learner examples
- The evidence compellingly shows we need to act.
Grammar
Dictionary form
compellingly
IPA
GB/kəmpˈɛlɪŋli/
US/kəmpˈɛlɪŋli/
Syllables & stress
com - pel - lingly (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (pel)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: compellingly
- Plural: compellinglies
Word family
Forms
compellinglies
noun
Core family
compel
verb C1
compelling
adjective B2
Related words
Negative and opposite forms
uncompelling
adjective
Advanced or less common
compulsorily
adverb
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.