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Definition of compelling adjective from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

compelling

adjective
 
/kəmˈpelɪŋ/
 
/kəmˈpelɪŋ/
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  1. that makes you pay attention to it because it is so interesting and exciting
    • Her latest book makes compelling reading.
    • His eyes were strangely compelling.
    Synonyms interestinginterestingfascinating compelling stimulating gripping absorbingThese words all describe something that attracts or holds your attention because it is exciting, unusual or full of good ideas.interesting attracting your attention because it is exciting, unusual or full of good ideas:
    • That’s an interesting question, Daniel.
    fascinating extremely interesting or attractive:
    • The exhibition tells the fascinating story of the steam age.
    compelling (rather formal) so interesting or exciting that it holds your attention:
    • Her latest book makes compelling reading.
    stimulating full of interesting or exciting ideas; making people feel enthusiastic:
    • Thank you for a most stimulating discussion.
    gripping so exciting or interesting that it holds your attention completely:
    • His books are always so gripping.
    absorbing interesting and fun and holding your attention completely:
    • Chess can be an extremely absorbing game.
    Patterns
    • interesting/​fascinating/​stimulating for somebody
    • interesting/​fascinating to somebody
    • interesting/​fascinating that…
    • interesting/​fascinating to see/​hear/​find/​learn/​know…
    • a(n) interesting/​fascinating/​compelling/​gripping story/​read/​book
    • a(n) interesting/​fascinating/​stimulating experience/​discussion/​idea
    • to find something interesting/​fascinating/​compelling/​stimulating/​gripping/​absorbing
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryverbs
    • be
    • become
    • find something
    adverb
    • very
    • utterly
    • oddly
    See full entry
  2. so strong that you cannot resist it
    • a compelling need/desire
    • He was a sad man with a compelling need to talk about his unhappiness.
    Topics Permission and obligationc1
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryverbs
    • be
    adverb
    • extremely
    • fairly
    • very
    See full entry
  3. that makes you think it is true
    • There is no compelling reason to believe him.
    • The new studies provide compelling evidence in support of these concepts.
    Extra Examples
    • The logic of this point of view is not compelling and is not supported by the data.
    • There is no logically compelling argument to support their claims.
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryverbs
    • be
    adverb
    • extremely
    • fairly
    • very
    See full entry
See compelling in the Oxford Advanced American DictionarySee compelling in the Oxford Learner's Dictionary of Academic English

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