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.
Study Deeper
- The attorney alleges that the defendant tampered with evidence.
- Several witnesses allege that the policy caused unexpected side effects.
From Old French allegier or alleguer meaning 'to cite as grounds; to plead', from Latin allegare 'to bring forward as grounds for a claim', from ad- 'to' + ligare 'to bind'.
Allege is like legal with an extra e — a legal claim that may not be proven.
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Remedy
nounA medicine or treatment that cures or alleviates a disease; or a means of solving or correcting a problem. As a verb, to remedy means to fix or rectify something.
Diffuse
verb (also adjective)To spread out or distribute over a wide area; to disperse or disseminate. As an adjective, describing something that is not concentrated or is unfocused/rambling.
Collaborative
adjectiveRelating to or accomplished through collaboration; involving two or more people or groups working together toward a shared goal.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Contend
verbTo strive or compete in a contest or conflict; to assert or argue a point.
Abandon
verbTo give up completely, to desert or leave behind, or to relinquish a claim, plan, or responsibility.
Abate
verbTo decrease in amount or intensity; to reduce or end something.
Abolish
verbTo formally end or repeal a system, practice, or institution; to officially put an end to something established.
Abridge
verbTo shorten (a text, speech, or other work) by omitting parts; to condense.
Abscond
verbTo depart secretly or flee, especially to avoid detection or arrest.