allege
To claim or assert that someone has done something illegal or wrong, typically without proof.
This is a 'shield' word for journalists. It allows you to report on a crime without stating the person is definitely guilty, which protects you from libel lawsuits.
Word relationships
- assert: Assert is a confident statement of fact, while allege specifically implies a lack of proof.
- claim: Claim is more general; allege is more formal and usually relates to wrongdoing.
- prove: To prove is to provide evidence that makes a claim certain.
Commonly confused with
- aver: Aver means to state something as true with great confidence, whereas allege suggests the truth is still in question.
Word family
- allegation (noun): A claim or assertion that someone has done something wrong.
- allegedly (adverb): Used when something is said to be true but has not been proved.
Collocations
- allege misconduct
- widely alleged
- allege that
Example sentences
- "The prosecution continues to allege that the defendant was at the scene of the crime, despite his alibi." Legal reporting
- "The newspaper was careful to allege the misconduct rather than state it as a proven fact." Journalism
Memory hook
Think of 'All-Edge.' An allegation is like standing on the edge of a cliff—you haven't fallen into the 'truth' yet, you're just pointing at it. Claim without proof.
When not to use
Do not use 'allege' if the fact has already been proven in court; use 'state' or 'confirm' instead.
Fun facts
- In the Middle Ages, 'allege' was often confused with 'alleger' (to lighten), leading to some very confusing legal documents!
Explore more words
allegation, suspect, alibi, unsubstantiated, prosecute, circumstantial
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