Vocabulary in context
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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.
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Imagine 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.
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Sounds Like
uh-LEJ
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Looks Like
related forms such as alleged, allegation
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Remember This
Allege is used to report someone’s claim, not to assert truth. The adjective form is alleged (as in 'the alleged thief').
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Other Forms
allegesverb
allegedadjective
allegingpresent participle
allegedlyadverb
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Connect With
claim, assert, contend, purport, allegation
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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.
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Study Deeper
Examples
- The attorney alleges that the defendant tampered with evidence.
- Several witnesses allege that the policy caused unexpected side effects.
Synonyms
claimassertcontendpurportstate
Antonyms
denyrefutedisprove
Etymology
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'.
Mnemonic
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.
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