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 Words From

• unal·leged·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of allegedly¹

First recorded in 1870–75; alleged + -ly

Example Sentences

He allegedly met Wang in the desert on Oct.

From Los Angeles Times

Then, he allegedly attacked Li with a hammer and forced her into her own Tesla.

From Los Angeles Times

The person allegedly blasted the officer’s photo on her Facebook and Instagram accounts, calling them a fascist “pig” and a traitor to their race.

From Los Angeles Times

In recent days, Anson said, Matarico drove to the victim’s new high school and waited for him in her car, where they allegedly had another sexual interaction.

From Los Angeles Times

In text messages described by Anson, Matarico allegedly said she was in love with the teen, that she had left her husband because of the relationship, and that he was “the only person she would go to jail for.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• purportedly
• supposedly