impel
C1Formal, Literary, Academic
Definition
Meaning
To drive, force, or urge someone to do something through a strong feeling or internal pressure.
To cause an object to move or be set in motion; to propel (in physical contexts). To serve as the motivating force behind an action or thought.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The sense of pressure or force is central, often implying an irresistible or deeply moral/internal motivation rather than external coercion. It frequently describes abstract, psychological, or moral driving forces.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The word is equally formal in both varieties. The verb 'propel' is more common in American English for the physical sense.
Connotations
Formal, slightly literary, suggesting a powerful inner compulsion. It is not casual or colloquial.
Frequency
Low-to-medium frequency in both varieties, encountered more in written texts, formal speeches, and academic/professional contexts than in everyday conversation.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[sb/sth] impels [sb] to [infinitive][sth] impels [sb] (into [sth])[sb] is impelled by [sth] (to [infinitive])Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Be impelled by”
- “Feel impelled to (do something)”
- “An impelling force”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
A need to innovate impels the company to invest heavily in R&D. (Motivates/forces strategic change)
Academic
The author is impelled by her findings to question the established paradigm. (Driven by intellectual or empirical force)
Everyday
Her conscience impelled her to return the lost wallet. (Less common in casual chat; more formal internal drive)
Technical
The combustion of fuel impels the piston downward. (Propels/moves physically; used in physics/engineering)
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- His profound sense of honour impelled him to reveal the truth, despite the cost.
- The financial pressures finally impelled the board into decisive action.
- What motives impelled the protagonist to betray his allies?
American English
- Her scientific curiosity impelled her to question the established theory.
- Economic necessity impelled the family to relocate.
- The engine's thrust impels the aircraft forward.
adverb
British English
- There is no adverb 'impel'. The related adverb is 'impellingly', but it is extremely rare and not standard.
American English
- There is no adverb 'impel'. The related adverb is 'impellingly', but it is extremely rare and not standard.
adjective
British English
- There is no adjective 'impel'. The related adjective is 'impelling' (as in 'an impelling need'), but it's rare.
American English
- There is no adjective 'impel'. The related adjective is 'impelling' (as in 'an impelling argument'), but it's rare.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- A strong desire to help people impelled her to become a doctor.
- Hunger impelled the animal to leave its shelter.
- The report's shocking conclusions impelled the government to launch an immediate inquiry.
- He felt impelled by loyalty to defend his friend's reputation.
- Philosophical doubts about free will impelled her to undertake a comprehensive study of neuroscience.
- The geopolitical tensions of the era impelled the nation towards a policy of cautious isolationism.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'IM' (inside) + 'PEL' (as in propel or compel). An inner force PELls you to do something.
Conceptual Metaphor
MOTIVATION IS A PHYSICAL FORCE (A force pushes/drives you from within).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Not 'to push' (толкать) in a literal, rude sense. It's abstract/internal.
- Distinguish from 'compel' (заставлять) – 'impel' is more about internal drive; 'compel' implies more external pressure.
- Do not confuse with 'impulse' (импульс) – 'impel' is the verb of causing action from an impulse.
Common Mistakes
- Using it for mild encouragement: 'My friend impelled me to try the cake.' (Too strong/formal)
- Confusing spelling with 'compel'.
- Using it in the active voice with an inanimate subject incorrectly: 'The story impels sad.' (Needs an object and an infinitive: 'The story impels the reader to feel sad.')
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'impel' most correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Impel' suggests an internal drive or force (conscience, emotion, desire) motivating action. 'Compel' emphasizes external pressure or authority (law, rules, threats) forcing action, though it can sometimes imply a strong inner moral force as well.
Yes, in formal or technical contexts, especially in physics or engineering, it can mean 'to propel' or 'to drive forward' (e.g., 'The rocket's engines impel it into orbit'). However, 'propel' is more common for pure physical motion.
No, it is not common in casual conversation. It belongs to a more formal or literary register. Words like 'make', 'force', 'drive', or 'urge' are used more frequently in everyday speech.
'Impel' is a verb. The noun form is 'impulsion' or, more commonly, 'impulse'. The adjective 'impelling' exists but is rare. The past participle 'impelled' is frequently used adjectivally (e.g., 'impelled by duty').