Use appealing to describe something attractive or pleasing, especially when it draws interest or enjoyment.
Use appealing to describe something attractive or pleasing, especially when it draws interest or enjoyment.
| Incorrect | Correct |
| The painting is appeal. | The painting is appealing. |
| She found the meal appealingly. | She found the meal appealing. |
| The appealing of the product was high. | The appeal of the product was high. |
| He looks appealingly. | He looks appealing. |
Use appealing as the present‑participle of appeal when describing the act of requesting a reversal or reconsideration in a legal setting.
| Incorrect | Correct |
| The lawyer is appealing the judge. | The lawyer is appealing the decision. |
| She is appealing her taxes. | She is appealing her tax assessment. |
| He appealed the contract. | He is appealing the contract. |
| They are appealing to the court for a new law. | They are appealing the court's ruling. |
Use appealing for the attractive sense, and use the -ing form when referring to a legal request for reversal.
Confusing the adjective with the verb form, as in The painting is appeal instead of appealing.
From Middle English appealing, from Old French appeler, from Latin appellare ‘to call to’.
What does appealing mean as an adjective?
Appealing describes something attractive or pleasing that draws interest or enjoyment.
How is appealing used as a verb?
As a verb, appealing is the present‑participle of appeal, meaning to request a reversal or reconsideration of a decision.
Can appealing be used in legal documents?
Yes, appealing appears in legal contexts to indicate the act of filing an appeal against a decision.
What are common synonyms for appealing?
Synonyms include attractive, pleasing, charming, engaging, captivating, and alluring.
What are common mistakes when using appealing?
A frequent error is mixing the adjective with the verb form, such as saying The painting is appeal instead of appealing.
What is the origin of the word appealing?
Appealing comes from Middle English appealing, derived from Old French appeler and Latin appellare ‘to call to’.
What are some antonyms for appealing?
Antonyms include unattractive and repellent.