adduce

adduce, advance, allege, cite may be used interchangeably in the meaning to bring forward by way of explanation, proof, illustration, or demonstration; however, they usually are clearly distinguishable in their implications and in their idiomatic associations.

One adduces facts, evidence, instances, passages, reasons, arguments when one presents these in support of a contention

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at the close of the chapter Aquinas solves an objection adduced as damaging evidence against his position— Clark

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in the light of the parallels which I have adduced the hypothesis appears legitimate— Frazer

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One advances something (as a theory, a proposal, a claim, an argument) that is in itself contentious when one presents it for acceptance or consideration

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once or twice psychoanalysts have advanced that idea to me as a theoretical possibility— De Voto

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if such a proposal was not seriously meant, why was it advanced at all?— Hartmann

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half a century later when the Bourbon claim to the Spanish succession is advanced— Belloc

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Allege may indicate a bringing forward or stating as if needing no proof

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younger scholars nevertheless can allege a very strong point on their side— H. M. Jones

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It may on the other hand stress doubt about an assertion or convey a warning about or a disclaimer of responsibility for the truth of matter under discussion

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those whose senses are alleged to be subject to supernatural impressions— Le Fanu

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Its participial adjective alleged, especially, often serves as a disclaimer of responsibility for the assertion

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an alleged miracle

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the alleged thief

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the presence, real or alleged, of some hostile group— Dewey

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One cites only something concrete and specific (as a passage from a book or a definite instance) when one adduces it in support of a contention; one cites by quoting a passage to give an authority; one cites an instance that serves as a precedent or illustration; one cites definite facts in support of something (as a claim or proposal) advanced

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the very real difficulties of modern physical science originate, in large degree, in the facts just cited— Jeans

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Analogous words: *exemplify, illustrate: *remark, comment, commentate, animadvert