Learn English – A single word for “assert, but without or before proof.”

word-request

"Allege" is a close one, but it related to something illegal or wrong. Is there a word just means "assert, but without or before proof."?

Alleged, as an adjective, means that something was said to have taken place, but it has not been proven. It is often used when reporting about a person or incident that occurred, but the person has not yet been tried and convicted of the crime or the incident has not been verified by authorities. Unfortunately it is frequently used incorrectly. In your first example sentence, alleged means "asserted to be true, often without or before proof."
— An answer about alleged on english.stackexchange

Best Answer

IMHO, to assert is already the word you're looking for, in contrast to to prove or to verify. Allege is similar to assert and expresses that the user of the word is not convinced about the truth yet. Other than that, to assume could also apply.

Definitions from Oxford dictionaries:

assert State a fact or belief confidently and forcefully.

allege [as you said] Claim or assert that someone has done something illegal or wrong, typically without proof.

assume Suppose to be the case, without proof.

prove Demonstrate the truth or existence of (something) by evidence or argument.

verify Make sure or demonstrate that (something) is true, accurate, or justified.

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