Apocryphal
Word of the Day
What is Apocryphal?
adjective
Of doubtful authenticity, although widely circulated as being true.
Pronunciation
Why This Word?
Chosen to champion source-checking in an age of virality.
Examples of Use
Here's how this word appears in everyday language:
The apocryphal anecdote refuses to die online.
Historians labeled the letter apocryphal.
An apocryphal origin story clung to the startup.
Word Origins
Greek apókryphos “hidden, secret”
Originally referred to noncanonical religious texts.
First appearance in English: late 16th century
Word Family
Related forms of this word:
-
Noun:
Scholars debated the apocrypha’s authorship.
-
Adjective:
A spurious claim misled readers.
-
Adjective:
The evidence was dubious at best.
Around the World
How this word appears in other languages:
- Spanish: apócrifo
- French: apocryphe
- German: apokryph
- Italian: apocrifo
- Portuguese: apócrifo
If you Already Know This Word
If you've mastered this word, try these more advanced alternatives:
Spurious
False; apocryphal is doubtful/legendary.
Bogus
Informal; apocryphal is formal and textual.
Putative
Supposed; apocryphal adds skepticism about authenticity.
Fun Facts
- Urban legends are modern apocrypha of the internet.
- “Apocrypha” can also name a literary category of doubtful works.
Cultural Usage
- Apocryphal books sit outside some biblical canons.
- Fact-checkers track apocryphal claims after breaking news.
Common Mistakes
Not “apocalyptic”; different root and meaning.
Micro Story
That apocryphal quote appears in zero primary sources.