Allege
To claim that something is true, typically without providing proof or before evidence has been established; often used in legal or formal contexts to present a proposition as a matter of fact.
verbAllege
To claim that something is true, typically without providing proof or before evidence has been established; often used in legal or formal contexts to present a proposition as a matter of fact.
verbImagine This
In a courtroom, a lawyer calmly says, The witnesses allege that the defendant was at the scene, while investigators are still gathering evidence to prove or disprove the claim.
Sounds Like
uh-LEJ
Looks Like
related forms such as alleged, allegation
Remember This
Allege is used to report someone’s claim, not to assert truth. The adjective form is alleged (as in 'the alleged thief').
Other Forms
Connect With
claim, assert, contend, purport, allegation
Note
Do not treat allege as proof. Use with 'that' or with a clause to specify what is being claimed. In formal writing, 'allege' often introduces statements attributed to others.