French word

prétendument

Pronunciation

IPA/pʁetɑ̃dymɑ̃/

Meaning

  • adverballegedly

Example

On l'accuse prétendument de vol.

He is allegedly accused of theft.

Illustration for prétendument (allegedly)

More examples

Selon les voisins, il est prétendument impliqué dans la dispute.

According to the neighbors, he is allegedly involved in the dispute.

Core concept

A report placed beside a claim, leaving its truth unconfirmed.

Similar words

apparemment: Apparently so, based on what is visible or has been reported.

Definition in French

Signale qu'une information ou une accusation est rapportée d'après d'autres personnes, sans que l'on affirme sa vérité.

Word origin

Prétendument comes from French prétendu, the past participle of prétendre, with the adverb-forming suffix -ment.

Usage tips

  • Prétendument has a formal, written tone and is especially common in news reports, legal writing, and accusations.

Other meanings

  • supposedlyadverb
  • reportedlyadverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word