Words / B2

uh-LEJ-idl-ee/əˈledʒɪdli/

Allegedly flags a claim that is not yet proved: allegedly stole; the allegedly unsafe cladding. Allege is the verb (already in the dictionary). Apparently is weaker and not always about wrongdoing. Journalists use allegedly to avoid libel. Do not use it if the court has already convicted.

Meaning

Used when something is said to be true but is not yet proved.

Examples

• “The contractor allegedly billed for shifts that were never worked.”
• “Allegedly unsafe cladding was stripped, which still needs the inquiry’s finding.”

Good to know

allegedly + verb; the allegedly + adjective + noun. Verb: allege. Weaker: apparently. Legal caution in news. Drop it after a conviction. Not a synonym of obviously.

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