allege (2009-06-09)

Part of Speech: verb

Pronunciation: [ê-'lej]

Definition: To assert as true; to assert without providing proof.

Usage: If you wish to be an absolute purist, avoid the rather idiomatic adjective itself in favor of semantically more precise terms like "purported" or "suspected" and use the verb only as a verb. Here is an example: "The suspected perpetrator of what police allege to be a crime has been suspended from the force pending further investigation." At least, we should use the verb more than the adjective in order to establish its meaning clearly in our speech: "Buffy alleged that her brother pulled her hair in the back seat of the car." This contrasts with Buffy's providing conclusive evidence of the act, such as a small bald spot on her head.

Suggested Usage: Today's is the magic word that allows the US news media to jump to damaging conclusions without fear of legal reprisal. The past participle, "alleged," is used so much more frequently than the verb that it has become an adjective unto itself meaning, "accused without proof." Even with this innovation, however, the word is often misused, especially in the media. While Nick Dalolli might be an alleged burglar, he did not commit an alleged burglary—the burglary must be conclusively proven if Nick is a suspect. The adverb "allegedly" never works. "Gertrude allegedly trained the suicide newts" does not mean that Gertrude trained the newts in an alleged manner but "It is alleged that Gertrude trained the newts." So that is what you should say. The noun, of course, is "allegation."

Etymology: Middle English "alleggen" from Old French alegier "to vindicate, justify." The history of today's word is interesting because the form of the word derives from Latin allegare but the meaning comes from from esligier "to pay a fine, justify oneself" from Late Latin *exlitigare "to legally clear" from ex "out (of)" + litigare "to sue." "Allegare" went on through French to become English "allay." Apparently the two were confused at some point and the prefix ex- was replaced by ad- (an-, am-, al-, ar-).