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allege — to state or assert that someone has done something illegal or wrong, typically without providing proof

Part of speech: VERB

Definition: to state or assert that someone has done something illegal or wrong, typically without providing proof

Pronunciation (IPA): /əˈledʒ/

Example Sentences

  • My cat allegedly ate my homework, but I suspect it was actually my dog wearing a cat costume.
  • The company is alleged to have violated environmental regulations.
  • Students allege that the cafeteria food is actually a secret government experiment.

allege

VERB

[/əˈledʒ/]

to state or assert that someone has done something illegal or wrong, typically without providing proof

The reporter alleges the mayor took bribes, but shows no proof yet.
💡 Concept

The reporter alleges the mayor took bribes, but shows no proof yet.

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/əˈledʒ/
🇬🇧 UK/əˈledʒ/

🌳Etymology

Prefixal--
Rootleg
Suffix--e

Origin

From Old French 'alleger' meaning 'to lighten' or 'to ease,' derived from Latin 'allegare' (to assign or cite). The sense shifted in Middle English from 'to lighten a burden' to 'to make a claim' or 'to assert without proof.'

Breakdown

al- (to) + lege (from Latin legare, to send/assign) = allege (to assert or claim)

🎵Rhyme

edge
pledge
wedge
hedge

🔗Collocations

allege corruption
allege misconduct
allege fraud
allegedly involved
allege wrongdoing
police allege
prosecutors allege

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“My cat allegedly ate my homework, but I suspect it was actually my dog wearing a cat costume.”

“The company is alleged to have violated environmental regulations.”

😄 Fun example

“Students allege that the cafeteria food is actually a secret government experiment.”

“The report alleges serious safety violations at the construction site.”

📚Related Words

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