English

edit

Etymology

edit

From alleged +‎ -ly.

Pronunciation

edit
  • Audio (US):(file)

Adverb

edit

allegedly (not comparable)

  1. According to someone's allegation.
    Near-synonyms: reportedly, reputedly, purportedly, putatively, rumoredly, supposedly, ostensibly, possibly, probably, likely, plausibly
    The suspect was allegedly involved in the robbery, but his alibi placed him in another state at the time.
    • 2025 March 27, Nicholas McEntyre, “Texas menace accused of ramming mini 4-wheeler into parked Teslas in chaotic spree”, in New York Post[1]:
      An ATV-riding Texan was a massive problem to Tesla owners when he allegedly rammed his 4-wheeler into multiple cars during an unprovoked hit-and-run spree on Tuesday.
  2. According to someone's conspicuous impressions (which could subsequently be alleged).
    The game is allegedly exciting.
    • 2008 November 13, Jason Whitlock, “The 10 best and 10 worst NFL coaches”, in (Please provide the book title or journal name)[2]:
      Philip Rivers is allegedly having the best season of any quarterback in the league.
    • 2009 February 20, “The Closer”, in New York Daily News[3], archived from the original on 22 February 2009:
      ...her onscreen tears are allegedly real.
    • 2010 November 10, Pratish Mistry, “Why Julius Malema is important to the ANC”, in NewsTime:
      No doubt you’re tired of reading about his colourful escapades – about his glamorous home, his allegedly dodgy tenderpreneur deals, his gushing praise of malevolent dictators, or his soundly articulated international economic policy.

Usage notes

edit
  • This term is used in the media in order to avoid litigation when the facts are not entirely certain, or when referring to evidence in an ongoing trial.

Translations

edit