Master confusing words with ease
Accuse vs. Allege
Accuse
/əˈkjuːz/Examples:
You accused us all of hiding something, Monsieur Poirot.This man –' He pointed an accusing finger at Bernard.'Oswald definitely accuses you of having pushed him into the water.
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Antonyms:
Allege
/əˈledʒ/Examples:
The scientist alleged a misuse of research funds.Critics allege that the policy favors corporations.Some employees alleged discrimination in the workplace.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Ways to tell them apart:
- Remember that accuse involves pointing a finger directly at someone, suggesting certainty or direct involvement.
- Allege is more about making a claim without presenting proof at that moment, often requiring further investigation.
- Accuse commonly suggests a formal charge, while allege softens this with uncertainty.
- When you accuse someone, you are asserting their wrongdoing directly, often in public.
- To allege something is to say it happened, but with a degree of distance or uncertainty until proven.
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