Apocryphal

/əˈpɒkrɪfəl/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

of doubtful authenticity; although widely circulated as being true.

The apocryphal story of the lost city of Atlantis continues to capture the imagination of many.

not considered genuine or authentic; spurious.

Many apocryphal texts were attributed to famous authors but were later discredited by scholars.

belonging to a fallacious or dubious account; false.

The apocryphal claims made by the author raised skepticism among his readers.

From Late Latin 'apocryphus', from Greek 'apokryphos' meaning 'hidden, obscure'.

apocryphal tales

stories whose authenticity is doubtful.

apocryphal texts

writings not considered to be canonical.

legend

a traditional story sometimes regarded as historical but not verifiable.

myth

a widely held but false belief or idea.

It's just apocryphal.

Whenever someone tells a crazy story, my friend just says, 'It's just apocryphal.'

Apocryphal wisdom.

Don't believe everything you hear; a lot of it is just apocryphal wisdom.