'Compelling' & 'to compel'

[undeddy]

Hello,
To compel is just a more formal version of to force, isn't it?
But what about compelling? Does it mean (emotionally) strong, indisputable, inspiring? For example:

compelling story/film/book - one that makes you believe it or it makes you feel you're part of it?
compelling argument - means indisputable, very strong one?

Correct me, please if I'm wrong.

[Ann1977]

Hello,
To compel is just a more formal version of to force, isn't it?
But what about compelling? Does it mean (emotionally) strong, indisputable, inspiring? For example:

compelling story/film/book - one that makes you believe it or it makes you feel you're part of it?
compelling argument - means indisputable, very strong one?

Correct me, please if I'm wrong.

You're absolutely right.

[undeddy]

Since to compel is formal, compelling also sounds formal?

[Ann1977]

Since to compel is formal, compelling also sounds formal?

No, I don't think they are "formal" words so much as forceful ones. I think even moderately literate speakers would always understand "to compel" or "compelling," and might occasionally use these words in casual conversation.

More educated speakers wouldn't think it was anything special to use either one in casual conversation.

They are the more emphatic versions of their more common synonyms, I think -- not the more formal ones.