Apocryphal
/əˈpɒkrɪfəl/
Definitions
Of questionable authenticity; not genuine.
/əˈpɒkrɪfəl/
Of doubtful authenticity, although widely circulated as true.
The detective questioned the witness about the apocryphal details in his account.
💡 Simply: Imagine your friend tells you a wild story, but it's hard to believe because it sounds made up. If the story is probably not true, we can call it 'apocryphal'.
👶 For kids: When something might be true, but we're not really sure if it is or not.
More Examples
The document was rejected as evidence because its origins were deemed apocryphal.
Despite its popularity, the tale of the lost treasure is largely considered apocryphal.
She was skeptical of the apocryphal claims made by the company.
How It's Used
"The scholar dismissed the historical account as apocryphal, citing contradictory evidence."
"Many of the stories surrounding King Arthur are considered apocryphal."
Synonyms
From Late Latin *apocryphus*, from Greek *apokryphos* (hidden, secret), from *apokryptein* (to hide away). Originally referred to religious texts of uncertain authenticity.
Originally used to refer to books or writings of uncertain authorship that were included in some versions of the Bible. Over time the meaning broadened to apply to any doubtful story or account.
Memory tip
Think of the word like an 'apology for a lie' - it's almost true, but there's a lack of proof.