allegedly

[uh-lej-id-lee]

adverb

1. according to what is or has been alleged. alleged.

allegedly

/ əˈlɛdʒɪdlɪ /

adverb

1. reportedly; supposedly

   payments allegedly made to a former colleague

2. (sentence modifier) it is alleged that

interjection

1. an exclamation expressing disbelief or scepticism

Usage

In recent years it has become common for speakers to include allegedly in statements that are controversial or possibly even defamatory. The implication is that, by saying allegedly , the speaker is distancing himself or herself from the controversy and even protecting himself or herself from possible prosecution. However, the effect created may be deliberate. The use of allegedly can be a signal that, although the statement may seem outrageous, it is in fact true: He was drunk at work. Allegedly. Conversely, it is also possible to use allegedly as an expression of ironic scepticism: He's a hard worker. Allegedly

Other Word Forms

• unallegedly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of allegedly¹

First recorded in 1870–75; alleged + -ly

Example Sentences

Mr Ó hAnnaidh. was charged in May after allegedly displaying a flag in support of proscribed organisation Hezbollah at a gig at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, London, in November 2024.

From BBC

But when he went inside their hotels, he says, he found "really bad" food and conditions - with toilet rolls, sanitary products and some food allegedly rationed.

From BBC

Prosecutors will also seek a sentencing enhancement because Jackson allegedly caused Stuart Smith to suffer great bodily injury.

From Los Angeles Times

Sanchez allegedly confronted Tole and said that the hotel manager had told Sanchez he didn’t want the driver to replace the cooking oil.

From Los Angeles Times

On Saturday, protests became violent, with immigration authorities saying they opened fire on an armed woman after she and others allegedly rammed their cars into law enforcement vehicles.

From BBC

Related Words

• purportedly 
• supposedly 

When To Use

What does allegedly mean?

Allegedly means according to what has been claimed. It’s used to describe an action or situation that someone claims happened but that has not been confirmed or proven, especially a crime.Allegedly is the adverb form of the adjective alleged, which itself comes from the past tense of the verb allege, meaning to claim without proof or before proof is available. Such an accusation is called an allegation.Allegedly is most commonly used in a legal context, especially in journalism in reports about a person who has been accused of a crime or other wrongdoing but who has not been convicted. Using the word allegedly allows journalists to talk about allegations without seeming to presume guilt (and getting sued for libel).Example: Mr. Jones allegedly stole from his company over a period of 15 years.