allege
Verb
Medium difficulty
What does “allege” mean?
verb.to claim that someone has done something wrong or illegal, typically without proof.
SAT Usage
The term is often found in legal or moral contexts, particularly in discussions about accusations or disputes. It emphasizes the act of making a claim without providing evidence, distinguishing it from terms like "prove," which imply verification of facts.
Common Confusions
Allege implies making an accusation without proof, while assert usually suggests a confident declaration that may be based on evidence or conviction.
Do not choose allege if the context emphasizes certainty or proof rather than claiming that someone has done something wrong or illegal, typically without proof.
Example Sentences
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The agency alleged my credit history had problems.
Word Parts: How to Remember “allege”
Break “allege” into its parts: ad- (to, toward). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.
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Prefix:
ad-to, toward (Latin)