Key Difference – Accusation vs Allegation
Accusation and allegation both stem from the verbs accuse and allege, respectively, and refer to a claim that someone has done something wrong or illegal. The difference between accusation and allegation lies in the forcefulness and the presence of evidence. Allegation is often used to describe claims that cannot be substantiated by any evidence, which is the main difference between accusation and allegation.
What is an Accusation?
An accusation is a charge or claim that someone has done something illegal or wrong. Defined as “a formal charge of wrongdoing, delinquency, or fault” (Merriam-Webster Legal dictionary), this noun arises from the verb accuse. When we accuse someone, it means that we are forcefully asserting something onto someone or something, but this accusation can be true or false. Accusation and accuse can also be used when someone is charged with committing a crime based on reasonable proof. It is always better to use accusation when the claims or charges are substantiated with evidence and proven true.
Examples of Accusation:
– The police are investigating serious accusations of bribery.
– The activist group made accusations of corruption against several ministers.
Examples of Accuse:
– He was accused of sexually abusing his children.
– She was accused of lying to the police.
What is an Allegation?
An allegation is a statement claiming that someone has done something wrong or illegal. The Oxford dictionary defines it as “a claim or assertion that someone has done something illegal or wrong, typically one made without proof,” and the Merriam-Webster dictionary defines it as “an assertion that someone has done something wrong, often without proof.” As these definitions imply, an allegation refers to claims that are made without any proof.
The noun allegation is derived from the verb allege.
Examples of Allege:
– He is alleged to have killed five women.
– She alleged that she was assaulted by a masked man.
Examples of Allegation:
– Peter made allegations of corruption against the administration, but no action was taken.
– He had to give a written statement to the police denying the allegation.
What is the difference between Accusation and Allegation?
Definition:
– Accusation is a claim or assertion that someone has done something illegal or wrong.
– Allegation is a claim or assertion that someone has done something illegal or wrong, typically without any proof.
Evidence:
– Accusation is mostly used if a suspicion or claim can be substantiated or corroborated with evidence.
– Allegation is often used when there is no evidence to prove that a wrongdoing or a crime has been committed.
Seriousness:
– Accusation can be more forceful and strong than an allegation.
– Allegation is not as serious or forceful as an accusation.
