appealing

appealing — adjective

1. pleasant to look at, think about, or choose, in a way that makes people want it.

1.adjectiveB2
Definition

pleasant to look at, think about, or choose, in a way that makes people want it.

Example

The small cafe looked appealing after our wet walk from the station.

linking verb: look appealing

Jin found the evening class appealing because it fit his work schedule.

find something appealing

Common collocations
  • appealing design
  • appealing option
  • appealing idea
  • appealing smell
  • appealing offer
  • appealing display
Synonyms
  • attractive

    often focuses more on looks, though it can also be broader.

  • inviting

    suggests that something makes you want to come closer or take part.

  • engaging

    is stronger for things that hold attention, such as stories or speakers.

  • tempting

    is especially common for food, offers, or chances that are hard to refuse.

Antonyms
  • unappealing

    direct opposite for something that does not attract interest.

  • off-putting

    suggests an active negative effect that makes people step back.

  • dull

    focuses on a lack of interest or excitement.

Grammar Patterns

look appealing

seem appealing

find something appealing

appealing to + person

Usage Note

Often follows linking verbs such as look, seem, and sound, or appears after verbs like find and make. Distinguish from adjective/2: this sense is about attraction or pleasure, not asking for sympathy or help.

Common Mistakes

I am appealing in the course.
I am interested in the course.' / 'The course is appealing to me.
'appealing' describes the thing that attracts you, not your feeling.
The apartment appeal to students.
The apartment is appealing to students.' / 'The apartment appeals to students.
use 'appealing' as the adjective form after 'be'.

2. showing in the face, eyes, voice, or manner that someone hopes others will feel

2.adjectiveC1
Definition

showing in the face, eyes, voice, or manner that someone hopes others will feel sorry and step in to help.

Example

The wet puppy gave Mia an appealing look from the cardboard box.

collocation: appealing look

Luca's appealing voice on the phone made his aunt forgive him.

collocation: appealing voice

Common collocations
  • appealing look
  • appealing eyes
  • appealing face
  • appealing voice
  • appealing expression
  • appealing note
Synonyms
  • imploring

    sounds stronger and more openly desperate.

  • pleading

    stresses a direct request with words or tone.

  • plaintive

    is especially used for voices or sounds that seem sad and asking.

Antonyms
  • defiant

    shows resistance rather than a wish for protection.

  • self-assured

    suggests calm confidence instead of asking others to step in.

Grammar Patterns

an appealing look

appealing eyes

appealing voice

an appealing note asking for help

Usage Note

Usually describes a look, face, eyes, voice, or request that invites pity or help. Distinguish from adjective/1: this sense is not about beauty or good design, but about moving someone to protect or support.

Common Mistakes

The child looked appealing for his mother.
The child gave his mother an appealing look.
this sense usually describes a look, face, voice, or expression, not a person followed by 'for'.
The letter was appealing because it was beautiful.
The letter was appealing because it made readers want to help.
in this sense, 'appealing' is about sympathy, not beauty.

Word family

  • appeal
    verbB2
  • appeal
    nounB2
  • appealingly
    adverbC1
  • unappealing
    adjectiveC1

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

'Appealing' is a broad everyday word for something that draws you in because it looks good, sounds enjoyable, or seems worth choosing. 'Attractive' often leans more toward appearance, although it can also describe ideas, offers, and qualities. 'Inviting' suggests that something makes you want to come closer, enter, or take part, especially places, food, and offers. 'Engaging' is better for people, talks, books, and activities that hold your attention once you start. 'Charming' adds warmth and personal delight, and it can sound a little more emotional or admiring. A cafe can look appealing, a porch can feel inviting, a speaker can be engaging, and a child in an old photo may seem charming.

appealing ↗attractive ↗inviting ↗engaging ↗charming ↗

Common collocations

Adverbs

  • deeply appealing
  • instantly appealing

Phrases

  • look appealing
  • sound appealing
  • find something appealing

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchEnglish

Built from the verb 'appeal' and the adjective ending '-ing'. 'Appeal' came into English through Old French from Latin 'appellare', a verb meaning 'to call to' or 'address'. The older idea behind the word was calling on a court or asking people for help. From that base, English also developed the sense of something that appeals because it attracts interest or sympathy.