apocryphal

[US]/əˈpɒkrɪfl/
[UK]/əˈpɑːkrɪfl/
Frequency: Very High

Translation

adj. of doubtful authenticity; spurious; of unknown authorship; non-canonical

Phrases & Collocations

apocryphal story

apocryphal text

Example Sentences

the apocryphal Gospel of Thomas.

an apocryphal story about a former president.

The apocryphal story of Columbus and the egg is very interesting.

There are many apocryphal stories about the origins of Halloween.

The apocryphal tale of the Loch Ness Monster continues to intrigue people.

She shared an apocryphal story about a haunted house in the neighborhood.

The apocryphal text was discovered in a hidden chamber of the ancient temple.

Many superstitions are based on apocryphal beliefs passed down through generations.

The apocryphal nature of the legend makes it difficult to separate fact from fiction.

He enjoys reading apocryphal texts and exploring ancient myths.

The apocryphal story of the lost city has captured the imagination of many adventurers.

Some people believe in apocryphal prophecies predicting the end of the world.

The apocryphal account of the treasure map led them on a wild goose chase.

Real-world Examples

There is a story, almost certainly apocryphal, about perverse incentives in the era of British rule in India.

Source: TED Talks (Video Version) Bilingual Selection

The one I choose to believe may be apocryphal.

Source: Cross Stream (Part 1)

And it's an apocryphal story where an advertising executive makes the picture perfect pitch to a client.

Source: Quick thinking, smart communication.

Isn't that apocryphal? - No, actually. - Papa and Mama stayed there once and said it was quite true.

Source: Downton Abbey Season 4

Some of it is apocryphal, such as the story that he got a C at Yale for a paper outlining his idea (he can't recall the grade).

Source: The Economist (Summary)

Jeff Atwood, a computer programmer, is credited with popularising the (possibly apocryphal) story of a piece of deliberately unnecessary work that an animator did on a video game called " Battle Chess" .

Source: Economist Business

The film about Marilyn I did was a film called " My Week with Marilyn" and it was, I believe a true story, maybe apocryphal, but it was when she was making " The Prince and the Showgirl."

Source: Actor Dialogue (Bilingual Selection)

And on some mornings, when he read in the Apocrypha, of which he was very fond, the son of Sirach's keen-edged words would bring a delighted smile, though he also enjoyed the freedom of occasionally differing from an Apocryphal writer.

Source: Adam Bede (Volume Four)

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