compelling
Meaning: Evoking interest, attention, or admiration in a powerfully irresistible way. When describing evidence or arguments, it means very convincing and difficult to challenge.
Compelling has two main senses: something that is fascinatingly engaging ('a compelling story') and something that is overwhelmingly convincing ('compelling evidence'). Both senses share the core idea of being difficult to resist or ignore. In legal and academic contexts, 'compelling' indicates the highest level of convincingness — evidence described as compelling is almost impossible to argue against. The word is widely used in reviews, academic assessments, and media criticism.
Examples
- The documentary presented compelling evidence that the original investigation had been deeply flawed. 该纪录片提出了令人信服的证据,表明最初的调查存在严重缺陷。El documental presentó pruebas convincentes de que la investigación original había sido profundamente defectuosa.そのドキュメンタリーは、当初の調査に重大な欠陥があったことを示す説得力のある証拠を提示しました。그 다큐멘터리는 원래 수사에 심각한 결함이 있었음을 보여주는 설득력 있는 증거를 제시했다.
- She told a compelling story of resilience and determination that moved the entire audience to tears. 她讲述了一个关于坚韧和决心的感人故事,令在场所有人潸然泪下。Contó una historia cautivadora de resiliencia y determinación que conmovió a todo el público hasta las lágrimas.彼女は回復力と決意に満ちた感動的な物語を語り、聴衆全員を涙させました。그녀는 회복력과 결의에 관한 감동적인 이야기를 들려주어 청중 전체를 눈물짓게 했다.
- The case for urgent climate action becomes more compelling with each year of record-breaking temperatures. 随着气温年年刷新纪录,采取紧急气候行动的理由变得越来越充分。Los argumentos a favor de una acción climática urgente se vuelven más convincentes con cada año de temperaturas récord.記録破りの気温が続くたびに、緊急の気候変動対策を求める声はますます説得力を増しています。기록적인 기온이 해마다 이어질수록, 긴급한 기후 행동에 대한 요구는 점점 더 설득력을 얻고 있다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: academic, media, professional
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Latin compellere (to drive together, force), from com- (together) and pellere (to drive, push). The present participle 'compelling' developed its meaning of 'forcefully convincing' in English by the 17th century.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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