APPEALING

Definition of APPEALING

APPEALING Adjective and Verb

Main Meaning: Appealing is both an adjective and a verb (present participle of appeal), used to describe something that is attractive, engaging, or pleasing, or to indicate the act of making a request or plea. As an adjective, it conveys a sense of charm, interest, or desirability. As a verb form, it refers to the action of seeking support, attention, or a favorable decision.

APPEALING as an adjective

Appealing is an adjective that describes something that attracts interest, admiration, or affection due to its qualities. It refers to things, people, or actions that evoke a positive emotional or aesthetic response. Whether it is the design of a product, the personality of a person, or the nature of an idea, appealing refers to the attractive or charming nature of something that draws others in.

Attractive or Desirable: When used as an adjective, appealing suggests that something is especially attractive or inviting. This can apply to both physical appearance (such as an appealing face or outfit) and abstract qualities (like an appealing idea or proposal). In this sense, it emphasizes the inherent charm or pleasantness that makes something desirable or worthy of attention. For example, a well-designed product might be described as appealing if its features are pleasing and enticing to potential buyers. Similarly, a movie or a work of art could be considered appealing if it resonates emotionally with its audience.

Eliciting Positive Response: Appealing also refers to things or actions that elicit a favorable or emotional response from others. A person, cause, or event might be described as appealing if it evokes feelings of warmth, sympathy, or admiration. For instance, a charity might present an appealing cause to potential donors, meaning the cause strikes a chord with their sense of compassion or justice. Similarly, a person’s kind or humble demeanor might be described as appealing because it invites goodwill and positive feelings from others.

APPEALING as a verb

As the present participle of the verb appeal, appealing can refer to the action of making an earnest or formal request or plea for something. It often conveys the idea of actively seeking support, assistance, or attention in a manner that is persuasive or emotionally compelling. In this context, appealing implies an ongoing effort to win approval, favor, or consideration.

Making a Plea or Request: In its verb form, appealing refers to the act of making a request or plea, typically in an earnest or persuasive manner. It is often used in formal contexts, such as when someone is appealing a court decision or when a person or organization is making a formal request to others for help or support. The present participle highlights the ongoing nature of this action, emphasizing the act of appealing itself. For example, a person might be appealing to the public for donations to a cause, indicating they are actively seeking assistance or support.

Evoking Emotion or Attention: Additionally, appealing can describe actions or qualities that attract attention or evoke an emotional response. For example, an advertisement might be appealing if it attracts consumers’ attention by highlighting emotional or persuasive elements. A person may also be appealing if they are attempting to win others over through their charm, personality, or persuasion. Here, appealing as a present participle describes the process of actively drawing people’s attention or emotional engagement.

In conclusion, appealing serves as both an adjective and the present participle of the verb appeal. As an adjective, it describes something that is attractive, desirable, or capable of eliciting a positive response. Whether referring to the aesthetic appeal of an object or the emotional impact of a person’s actions, appealing underscores qualities that captivate or draw others in. As a verb form, appealing conveys the ongoing act of making a request or trying to invoke an emotional reaction or support. Whether it’s an appealing proposal, an appealing personality, or the act of appealing for assistance, the term highlights the active or passive nature of attraction, persuasion, and influence.

Examples of APPEALING in a sentence

APPEALING as an adjective in a sentence

• The new restaurant’s appealing atmosphere made it a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
• The appealing design of the website attracted many visitors, who found it easy to navigate.
• Her appealing personality made her a favorite among her colleagues and clients.
• The appealing colors of the dress caught her eye as soon as she entered the store.
• The offer seemed appealing, but after careful consideration, he decided it wasn’t the right choice.
• His appealing argument convinced many people to support his proposal during the meeting.
• The idea of working from home became even more appealing as the company offered flexible hours.
• The appealing scent of freshly baked bread filled the room, making everyone hungry.

APPEALING as a verb in a sentence

• The lawyer is appealing the court’s decision, hoping for a reversal of the judgment.
• The charity is appealing to the public for donations to help with disaster relief efforts.
• The team decided to appeal the referee’s call, believing it was incorrect.
• He is appealing to the government for more funding for scientific research.
• The environmental group is appealing to lawmakers to pass stronger pollution regulations.
• The company is appealing to consumers by offering limited-time discounts on their products.
• She is appealing to her friends for support during this difficult time in her life.
• The activist is appealing to the public to join in the protest for human rights.

Origin of APPEALING

The term appealing has an interesting etymology, evolving from its roots in legal and emotional contexts to broader everyday use.

Semantic Context: Appealing refers to making a request for a review or reconsideration, often in a legal context, or to something that is attractive or evokes a positive response. It can denote both the formal process of seeking a change in a decision or judgment, as well as the quality of something that draws interest or admiration.

• Etymological Roots: The word appealing comes from the Old French “appeler,” meaning “to call” or “to summon,” which in legal contexts means to call upon a higher authority for a review. The verb “appeal” itself derives from the Latin “appellare,” meaning “to call upon” or “to address.” The suffix “-ing” denotes the present participle, indicating an ongoing action or process.
• Historical Development: The use of appealing in the sense of legal appeal dates back to the 14th century. Initially, it referred to the act of challenging a decision or seeking a review in a higher court. Over time, appealing expanded to include emotional or aesthetic contexts, where it began to describe something that draws interest, approval, or admiration, such as an “appealing” look or demeanor. By the 19th century, the term was commonly used to describe anything that was attractive or pleasing in various fields, from art to marketing.
• Cultural and Emotional Applications: In its legal use, appealing refers to the act of formally challenging a lower court’s decision, typically to a higher court. In emotional or aesthetic contexts, appealing describes something that attracts positive attention, such as a person’s appearance, a product, or an idea. For example, a film might be described as “appealing” if it resonates with viewers or evokes a positive emotional response.
• Current Usage: Today, appealing is used both in legal contexts, where it refers to the process of requesting a reconsideration of a decision by a higher authority, and in general language, where it describes anything that is attractive or pleasing. It is applied widely, from describing an appealing visual design to something that emotionally resonates with people, such as an appealing personality or a story.

The term appealing has broadened from its legal origins to encompass both formal, procedural uses in law and more casual, descriptive uses referring to things that attract interest or admiration. It reflects the flexibility of language in adapting legal concepts to everyday emotional and aesthetic contexts.