What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
riveting
Example
The book was so riveting that I couldn't put it down. [riveting: adjective]
Example
The audience was riveted by the actor's performance on stage. [riveted: verb]
compelling
Example
The evidence presented in court was compelling and convinced the jury of the defendant's guilt. [compelling: adjective]
Example
The speaker's message was so compelling that it inspired the audience to take action. [compelling: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Compelling is more commonly used than riveting in everyday language. Compelling is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while riveting is less common and refers to a specific type of captivating experience.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between riveting and compelling?
While riveting is typically associated with an informal tone, compelling is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.