apocryphal
UK: əˈpɒkrɪf(ə)l | US: əˈpɑːkrɪf(ə)l
adj. of doubtful authenticity, though widely circulated as being true
adj. relating to or resembling the Apocrypha (biblical writings not accepted as canonical)
The word "apocryphal" traces back to Greek "apokryphos" (hidden, obscure), derived from "apo-" (away) + "kryptein" (to hide). Originally used for biblical texts excluded from the canonical scriptures due to disputed authenticity, it later generalized to mean "of dubious origin." The morpheme "cryph" (hidden) survives in modern words like "crypt" and "encrypt," reinforcing the idea of concealment. The "-al" suffix standardizes it as an adjective.
The apocryphal tale of George Washington chopping down a cherry tree has no historical evidence.
Many apocryphal gospels were discovered in the Nag Hammadi library.
Her apocryphal claim about meeting a celebrity went viral online.
Scholars debate whether the document is authentic or apocryphal.
The internet spreads apocryphal health advice faster than facts.