To assert or claim something as true without providing immediate proof, often in a legal or formal context. It implies making a statement that requires further verification or evidence.
From Latin 'allegare' meaning 'to send as a deputy' or 'to cite,' composed of 'ad-' (to) and 'legare' (to send, delegate). The meaning evolved from citing legal precedents to making any unproven claim that might need legal or formal examination.
Originally, to 'allege' meant to send a legal representative to court - so when you allege something today, you're essentially sending your claim to the court of public opinion or academic scrutiny, waiting for it to be judged! That's why allegations always carry a sense of 'innocent until proven guilty.'
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