adverb
Common
allegedly
uh-LEHJ-ihd-lee
Allegedly (adverb) means according to what is claimed or reported, without confirmation that it is true. Example: “The mayor allegedly ignored several warnings about the old bridge, though nothing has been proven.”
adverb
1
According to what is claimed or reported, without confirmation that it is true.
"The mayor allegedly ignored several warnings about the old bridge, though nothing has been proven."
"He allegedly stole the money from his employer."
"The two men were allegedly seen leaving the scene together."
How to use allegedly
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA way of reporting a claim while making clear it hasn't been proven.
When to use it
Common in news and legal reporting to avoid stating accusations as fact.
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The mayor _____ ignored several warnings about the old bridge, though nothing has been proven.
Etymology
Formed from "alleged" plus the adverb-forming suffix "-ly."
Related words
Rhymes for allegedly
wickedly
hurriedly
decidedly
assuredly
excitedly
repeatedly
reportedly
admittedly
supposedly
undoubtedly
unexpectedly
wholeheartedly
See all rhymes for allegedly →
Frequently asked questions
What does “allegedly” mean?
The word “allegedly” means according to what is claimed or reported, without confirmation that it is true. In plain terms, a way of reporting a claim while making clear it hasn't been proven.
How do you pronounce “allegedly”?
“Allegedly” is pronounced uh-LEHJ-ihd-lee (/əˈlɛdʒ.ɪd.li/ in IPA).
How do you use “allegedly” in a sentence?
Here is “allegedly” used in a sentence: “He allegedly stole the money from his employer.”
What part of speech is “allegedly”?
“Allegedly” is an adverb.
Is “allegedly” a common word?
“Allegedly” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between allegedly and reportedly?
Both words flag information that has not been confirmed. Allegedly usually attaches to a specific claim or accusation, often involving wrongdoing, while reportedly simply attributes information to reports or sources. Allegedly therefore carries a stronger note of caution.
Why do journalists use allegedly?
Journalists use allegedly to make clear that a claim, often an accusation, has been made but not confirmed or proved. It signals that the statement is someone's assertion rather than established fact, which helps publications avoid presenting unproven accusations as true.
Does allegedly mean something is not true?
No. Allegedly means the statement is claimed or reported without confirmation, so it takes no position on whether the claim is true or false. It marks uncertainty, not denial.
What is the difference between allegedly and supposedly?
Allegedly is the more formal, neutral flag for an unproven claim and is standard in news and legal contexts. Supposedly is more conversational and often carries a hint of scepticism or irony, suggesting the speaker doubts the claim.
