Words / C2

uh-POKR-ifl/əˈpɒkrɪfl/

Apocryphal means a story is probably not true, even though people keep repeating it as if it were. False is too blunt; legendary can still sound admiring. Use it for well-travelled anecdotes (the apocryphal exam story). In conversation, say that’s probably a myth or I doubt that happened; apocryphal is a reader’s word. It does not mean “old” or “religious” in everyday modern use, though the history is biblical.

Meaning

Probably not true, although often repeated as if it were.

Examples

• “The story about the exam is apocryphal.”
• “The tale of the sleeping invigilator is almost certainly apocryphal.”
• “An apocryphal quote keeps appearing under Churchill’s name.”

Good to know

A repeated story of doubtful truth. Everyday: probably a myth. Not a synonym for ancient.

Near in meaning

mythical

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