compelling
/kəmˈpelɪŋ/ (bre, ipa) · /kəmˈpelɪŋ/ (ame, ipa) · /kəm-ˈpe-liŋ/ (ame, mw)
compelling — 形容詞
- compellingpositive
- more compellingcomparative
- most compellingsuperlative
1. Used to describe a reason, argument, or piece of evidence so forceful that peopl
有說服力
論點或證據強而有力使人相信
Used to describe a reason, argument, or piece of evidence so forceful that people naturally accept the conclusion it points to.
The lawyer presented compelling evidence that proved her client was innocent.
律師提出了有說服力的證據，證明她的委託人是無辜的。
compelling evidence + that-clause
Priya found a compelling reason to leave her job and start a new business.
Priya 找到了一個有說服力的理由，決定離職創業。
No compelling argument could convince the council to raise taxes.
沒有任何有說服力的論點能說服市議會增稅。
The data from the hospital tests was compelling enough to change the treatment plan.
醫院的檢測數據極具說服力，足以改變治療方案。
Diego’s research offered compelling proof that the ancient city had existed.
Diego 的研究提供了有說服力的證據，證明這座古城確實存在過。
- convincing
Very similar; 'convincing' slightly more about the personal effect on the hearer, while 'compelling' suggests the evidence itself carries force.
- persuasive
Focuses on the ability to change someone’s mind; 'persuasive' can apply to a person, which 'compelling' in this sense cannot.
- cogent
More formal and intellectual; describes arguments that are clear and logically well-structured.
- weak
An argument that fails to convince due to lack of supporting logic or evidence.
- unconvincing
Direct opposite; an unconvincing reason does not make anyone believe it.
文法句型
compelling + noun (evidence / reason / argument)
be + compelling + enough + to-infinitive
用法筆記
Frequently pairs with nouns of logic or proof: evidence, reason, argument, case, proof. Avoid using for emotional impact — that belongs to the EXCITING sense.
常見錯誤
❌ 'She gave a compelling speech full of jokes.' ✈ 'She gave a compelling argument supported by strong data.' — The STRONG sense describes logical force, not how enjoyable a speech is.
2. So absorbing, thrilling, or fascinating that you cannot stop watching, reading,
引人入勝
非常精采有趣而吸引人持續關注
So absorbing, thrilling, or fascinating that you cannot stop watching, reading, or listening.
The documentary was so compelling that I watched the whole thing in one sitting.
這部紀錄片太引人入勝了，我一口气就看完了。
so + compelling + that-clause for result
A compelling mystery story keeps readers guessing until the very last page.
一本引人入勝的懸疑小說能讓讀者猜到最後一頁都放不下。
The actor gave a compelling performance that moved the audience to tears.
那位演員的表演扣人心弦，全場觀眾都深受感動。
What makes Yara’s paintings so compelling is the way she uses light and shadow.
Yara 的畫作之所以如此引人入勝，在於她運用光影的方式。
Nadia writes compelling short stories about life in a small fishing village.
Nadia 寫的短篇小說以漁村生活為背景，非常引人入勝。
- gripping
Stronger emotional pull; 'gripping' suggests suspense or tension, while 'compelling' is broader.
- fascinating
Focuses more on intellectual interest; 'fascinating' can describe any topic, whereas 'compelling' implies active engagement.
- engrossing
Suggests complete absorption; slightly more formal than 'compelling'.
文法句型
compelling + noun (story / film / performance)
so + compelling + that-clause
用法筆記
Typically describes media or performances — films, books, speeches, stories, music, or art. Not used directly for people (e.g. “a compelling man” is unnatural in this sense).
常見錯誤
❌ 'He is a compelling speaker because he tells jokes.' ✈ 'He gave a compelling speech about climate change that held everyone’s attention.' — Use 'compelling' for the speech, not the person; the EXCITING sense describes the thing, not the speaker’s character.
3. Describing a force, desire, or need that is so strong you cannot fight against i
無法抗拒
力量或衝動強烈到難以抵擋
Describing a force, desire, or need that is so strong you cannot fight against it.
Ravi felt a compelling urge to help the injured bird he found in the park.
Ravi 感受到一股無法抗拒的衝動，想去幫助在公園裡發現的那隻受傷小鳥。
compelling urge + to-infinitive
The rising flood waters created a compelling need for residents to leave their homes.
不斷上漲的洪水迫使居民不得不撤離家園。
There was a compelling force that pulled the two characters toward each other.
有一種無法抗拒的力量，將兩個角色拉向彼此。
Hana could not ignore the compelling desire to travel and see the world.
Hana 無法忽視那股想去旅行、看看世界的強烈渴望。
- irresistible
Nearly identical; 'irresistible' is more common in everyday speech, especially for temptation.
- overwhelming
Stronger in intensity; 'overwhelming' can be too much to handle, while 'compelling' suggests a driving direction.
- urgent
Emphasises time pressure; 'urgent' carries a sense that action is needed now.
- resistible
Can be fought against or ignored; the direct opposite of a compelling force.
- weak
A weak desire is easy to ignore, unlike a compelling one.
文法句型
compelling + noun (desire / need / urge / force)
a compelling + noun + to-infinitive
用法筆記
Describes internal drives or external forces that override resistance. Frequently modifies desire, urge, need, force, or sense of duty. Less common in everyday speech than in literary or formal writing.
常見錯誤
❌ 'I had a compelling need to watch that movie.' (sounds odd for entertainment) ✈ 'I had a compelling need to help the stranded family.' — This sense works best with serious or urgent situations, not casual preferences.