Definition

1. Verb:
   • To assert or declare without proof or before proving: To state something as a fact or truth, especially in a formal context, but without providing conclusive evidence at that moment.
   • To claim that someone has done something illegal or wrong: To formally accuse someone of an offense, typically in a legal or official setting.

Usage

• General Assertion: Used to state something as a fact, often when the statement is yet to be proven or is disputed.
• Legal/Formal Context: Commonly used in legal, journalistic, or official reports to present an accusation or claim.
• Grammar: Often followed by a -clause (e.g., "He alleged that..."). It can also be used in the passive voice (e.g., "It is alleged that...").

Examples

• Verb:
  • The prosecution will allege that the defendant committed fraud.
  • The report alleges widespread corruption within the department.
  • She alleged misconduct against her supervisor.

Advanced Usage

• "It is alleged that...": A common passive construction used to report a claim without directly attributing it to a specific source, often for legal or journalistic caution.
  • It is alleged that the company violated environmental regulations.
• "Alleged" (Adjective): The past participle is frequently used as an adjective to describe something that is claimed but not yet proven.
  • The alleged thief was released due to lack of evidence.
  • He is facing trial for his alleged role in the conspiracy.

Variants and Related Words

• Allegation (n): A claim or assertion that someone has done something illegal or wrong, typically one made without proof.
  • The lawyer denied the allegations against his client.
• Alleged (adj): Used to describe something that has been stated but not proven.
  • The alleged incident occurred last Tuesday.
• Allegedly (adv): Used to convey that something is claimed to be the case, although there is no proof.
  • The funds were allegedly misused.

Synonyms

• Claim: To state something as a fact, often without providing evidence.
• Assert: To state a fact or belief confidently and forcefully.
• Contend: To assert something as a position in an argument.
• Charge: To formally accuse someone of something, especially in a legal context.

Phrasal Verbs / Related Constructions

(This word does not commonly form phrasal verbs. Its core meaning is expressed through its standard verb forms and the related noun "allegation.")

Related Idioms

(There are no common idioms specifically centered on the verb "allege." The related term "alleged" is used in fixed phrases like "the alleged perpetrator" or "the alleged crime.")

Verb

1. report or maintain
   • He alleged that he was the victim of a crime
   • He said it was too late to intervene in the war
   • The registrar says that I owe the school money