Allege

Definition

Allege is a verb meaning to claim or assert that someone has done something wrong or illegal, often without providing proof. It can also refer to the act of declaring something as a fact, typically in legal or formal settings.

Parts of Speech

• Verb

Pronunciation

American and British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /əˈlɛdʒ/
• Respelling: uh-LEJ

Etymology

The word "allege" originates from the Old French "alegier," meaning "to justify or clear at law." It is derived from Medieval Latin "allegare," meaning "to adduce in support," which is based on Latin "allegare," meaning "to bring forward" or "plead in defense." The term entered English in the 14th century with the sense of claiming or asserting something, often in a formal or legal context.

Derivatives

• Allegation (noun)
• Alleged (adjective)
• Allegedly (adverb)
• Alleging (verb, present participle)
• Allegorize (verb, to turn into allegory)

Synonyms

• Claim
• Assert
• Accuse

Antonyms

• Confirm
• Deny
• Disprove

Usage

The verb "allege" is typically used in contexts where a claim is made, often of a legal nature, without conclusive proof. For example, "The prosecutor alleged that the defendant had been at the scene of the crime." It is commonly used in news and legal reports to indicate that a claim has been made but not yet proven.

Related Terms

• Assertion: A confident and forceful statement of fact or belief.
• Accusation: A charge or claim that someone has done something illegal or wrong.
• Indictment: A formal charge or accusation of a serious crime.

Detailed Definitions

Verb

• To claim or assert that someone has done something wrong, typically without proof: Refers to making an accusation or statement in a formal setting without definitive evidence.
  • Example: "They allege that he was involved in the conspiracy."
• To declare or claim something as true: Often used in formal, legal, or official contexts when stating a fact that is yet to be proven.
  • Example: "The report alleges corruption within the organization."