allegedly

Everyday

1. Allegedly means "people say this is true, but it has not been proved". tree →
2. (law, news) It is used by reporters and police so they do not say for certain that someone did something wrong before a court decides. tree →
3. (informal, jokey) People sometimes say "allegedly" after a claim to show they don't quite believe it. tree →

In the lessons

Very common in news, gossip, tabloids and media lessons. It tells the reader that the fact is a claim, not proven, so a careful reader should keep an open mind. In lessons about rumours and fake news, it is a key warning word. Phrases: «allegedly stole», «was allegedly seen», «allegedly said».

Examples

• The man allegedly took the money from the till. tree →
• The singer was allegedly seen at the café. tree →
• He allegedly broke the window, but nobody saw him do it. tree →
• The team allegedly cheated, but the judges are still checking. tree →
• "I'm the best footballer in the class – allegedly," laughed Jake. tree →
• The report says she allegedly lied about her age. tree →
• Allegedly, the shop is closing next month. tree →

Note

Adverb from «allege» (claim without proof) and «alleged». Pronounced a-LEJ-id-lee (four syllables). Trap: «allegedly» does NOT mean the thing happened; it means someone says so. In maths or fact questions, a claim marked «allegedly» is not a proven fact.