allegedly
gb/əlˈɛd͡ʒɪdli/ us/əlˈɛd͡ʒɪdli/
C1
English
~ 5900
Senses
0 senses
adverb
C1
property
1
as claimed but not proven
Used to say that something is said to be true, but there is no clear proof yet.
Usage pattern:
[someone] allegedly [verb phrase]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes think "allegedly" means "definitely" or "for sure". In fact, it is used when something is said to be true but is not yet proved. Another mistake is using it as an adjective (*"an allegedly crime"*). It is an adverb and usually goes before a verb phrase or an adjective/participle, as in "allegedly committed a crime" or "an allegedly stolen car".
Synonyms
reportedly (Very close in meaning; common in news reports and sounds neutral and factual.)
|
supposedly (More informal and can more easily suggest some doubt or surprise than “allegedly.”)
Antonyms
definitely (States that something is certain and not in doubt, the opposite of an unproven claim.)
|
undeniably (Emphasizes that something cannot be denied, contrasting with something that is only claimed.)
Collocations
was allegedly
|allegedly involved in
|allegedly committed
|allegedly stolen
|allegedly responsible for
|allegedly told
Themes
law
|media
|communication
|crime
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The company allegedly failed to report millions of dollars in income.
- He was allegedly involved in the robbery but has not been charged.
- The minister allegedly accepted illegal payments from several businesses.
- Police are investigating the allegedly stolen artwork found in the warehouse.
- Several employees allegedly complained about unsafe working conditions before the accident.
Learner examples
- The actor allegedly hit a photographer outside the club.
- She allegedly took money from the cash box at work.
- The report says the river is allegedly polluted by the factory.
- Three players allegedly used drugs before the game.
- The painting was allegedly taken from the museum last year.
adverb
informal
C1
property
2
so they say, but doubtful
Used to say that something is said to be true, but you do not really believe it.
Usage pattern:
[someone] allegedly [verb phrase]
Common mistake:
Learners may not notice the sarcastic or joking tone and think this sense is always neutral. In informal speech, if the situation clearly shows the opposite of the claim, "allegedly" can mean the speaker does not believe it.
Synonyms
supposedly (Very similar in informal speech; often carries the same light doubt or sarcasm.)
|
so‑called (Often stronger and more critical, clearly showing you do not accept the claim.)
Antonyms
apparently (Can show some doubt, but often suggests you think it is probably true, unlike clearly skeptical "allegedly" in this sense.)
|
clearly (States that something is obvious, the opposite of questioning or doubting a claim.)
Collocations
allegedly working
|allegedly studying
|allegedly on a diet
|allegedly busy
|allegedly finished
Themes
daily life
|opinions
|conversation
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- He was allegedly working from home, but his friends kept posting photos of him at the beach.
- She’s allegedly on a strict diet, yet I just saw her eating two slices of cake.
- They’re allegedly ‘just friends’, but they spend every weekend together.
- The project is allegedly finished, though nobody can find the final report.
- He allegedly gave up smoking, if you ignore the pack of cigarettes in his pocket.
Learner examples
- He is allegedly studying, but he is playing games on his phone.
- She is allegedly on a diet, but she eats chocolate every day.
- They are allegedly just friends, but they look like a couple.
- The homework is allegedly done, but I see many mistakes.
- He allegedly stopped smoking, but he still smells like smoke.
Grammar
Dictionary form
allegedly
IPA
GB/əlˈɛd͡ʒɪdli/
US/əlˈɛd͡ʒɪdli/
Syllables & stress
al - legedly (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (legedly)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: allegedly
- Plural: allegedlies
Word family
Forms
allegedlies
noun
Core family
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.