Allege: meaning, definitions and examples

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allege

 

[ əˈlɛdʒ ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

formal accusation

To assert without proof or before proving. To affirm or declare with positiveness; to declare with confidence; to aver; to maintain as true.

Synonyms

assert, claim, declare.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
allege

Used when someone states something without proof, often in legal or formal situations. It implies that the statement is not yet proven or verified.

  • The police allege that the suspect was seen at the crime scene.
  • The newspaper alleged corruption within the government.
assert

Used when someone states something confidently and forcefully, typically in a situation where they want to affirm their opinion or stance.

  • She asserted her right to speak during the meeting.
  • The scientist asserted that the results were accurate.
claim

Used when someone states something that others might doubt or that requires evidence to be believed. It can be neutral but often needs supporting proof.

  • He claimed that he had seen a UFO.
  • They claimed ownership of the abandoned property.
declare

Used in formal, official, or public statements, often when someone wants to make a strong and clear announcement.

  • The government declared a state of emergency.
  • She declared her candidacy for mayor.

Examples of usage

  • He was alleged to have stolen the money.
  • The defendant is alleged to have committed the crime.
Context #2 | Verb

claim without proof

To assert to be true; to affirm. To state as fact without offering proof.

Synonyms

assert, claim, maintain.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
allege

Use this word when someone is accused of something without concrete proof. It is often used in legal or formal contexts and leaves room for doubt.

  • The witness alleged that she saw the suspect at the scene of the crime.
  • He is alleged to have committed the offense, but no charges have been filed yet.
assert

This word is best used when someone states something confidently and forcefully as a fact. It implies strong conviction.

  • She asserted her innocence with great confidence.
  • The company CEO asserted that the new policy would improve productivity.
claim

Use this word when someone says something is true, especially when there might be doubts or lack of proof. It can be used in both casual and formal contexts.

  • He claimed that he had met the celebrity, but no one believed him.
  • The scientist claimed the new discovery would revolutionize the field.
maintain

This word is appropriate when someone continuously argues that something is true, perhaps against opposition. It implies persistence in the belief.

  • Despite the evidence, he maintained his innocence.
  • The teacher maintained that the new method would help students learn more effectively.

Examples of usage

  • She alleged that he had been cheating on her for months.
  • The company is alleged to have manipulated their financial statements.
Context #3 | Noun

accusation

An assertion made by a party in a case that the party intends to prove.

Synonyms

accusation, charge, claim.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
allege

Typically used in a legal or formal situation to suggest that someone has done something wrong, often without proof. This word implies that something is being stated as a fact, but it is not yet proven.

  • The newspaper alleges that the politician was involved in the scandal.
  • The report alleges numerous safety violations at the factory.
accusation

Refers to formally stating that someone has committed a crime or misconduct. This word often carries a negative connotation and implies blame or fault.

  • She denied the accusations of theft.
  • The teacher faced accusations of favoritism towards certain students.
claim

Used when someone is stating something as true, often without providing evidence. This word can be neutral or carry a slight implication of doubt.

  • He claimed that he had been at home all evening.
  • The company claims it provides the best service in the industry.
charge

This word is used in legal contexts to formally accuse someone of a crime. It implies that there has been a formal accusation made by authorities.

  • The suspect was charged with burglary.
  • She faces several charges of fraud.

Examples of usage

  • The plaintiff's allegations against the defendant were dismissed for lack of evidence.

Translations

Translations of the word "allege" in other languages:

🇵🇹 alegar

🇮🇳 दावा करना

🇩🇪 behaupten

🇮🇩 menuduh

🇺🇦 стверджувати

🇵🇱 twierdzić

🇯🇵 主張する

🇫🇷 prétendre

🇪🇸 alegar

🇹🇷 iddia etmek

🇰🇷 주장하다

🇸🇦 يزعم

🇨🇿 tvrdit

🇸🇰 tvrdiť

🇨🇳 声称

🇸🇮 trditi

🇮🇸 halda fram

🇰🇿 мәлімдеу

🇬🇪 აცხადებს

🇦🇿 iddia etmək

🇲🇽 alegar

Etymology

The word 'allege' originated from the Middle English word 'alegen', which came from the Old French word 'alleguer', meaning 'to plead or state a case'. It has been used in English since the late 14th century. The term is commonly used in legal contexts to indicate that something is being asserted or claimed without proof. Over time, 'allege' has become a key term in discussions of accusations and claims in various fields.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,030, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.