apocryphal

/ə'pɔkrifəl/

Thân thiện

The story about George Washington chopping down the cherry tree is apocryphal.

Definition

Adjective 1. Of or belonging to the Apocrypha: Pertaining to the biblical books or writings that are not accepted as part of the canonical scripture. 2. Being of questionable authenticity: Of doubtful genuineness or truth; likely to be invented or false, especially in reference to a story or piece of information.

Usage and Examples

• Pertaining to the Apocrypha:

  • Scholars study apocryphal texts to understand early Christian history.
  • The story is found in apocryphal literature, not in the canonical Gospels.

• Of questionable authenticity:

  • The tale of George Washington chopping down the cherry tree is widely considered apocryphal.
  • He told an apocryphal story about meeting a famous actor, but no one believed him.

Advanced Usage

• "Apocryphal" is often used to describe anecdotes, quotes, or historical accounts that are widely circulated but whose truth is dubious. It implies the story is more legend than fact.
  • Many apocryphal tales surround the founding of the ancient city.

Variants and Related Words

• Apocrypha (noun, plural): The group of ancient books not included in the canonical Bible but sometimes printed with it.
  • The Apocrypha includes books like Tobit and Judith.

Synonyms

• Fictitious: Invented; not real.
• Spurious: Not being what it purports to be; false or fake.
• Unverified: Not confirmed or substantiated.
• Legendary: Of, based on, or presented in legends; may imply a mix of fact and fiction.

Antonyms

• Authentic: Of undisputed origin; genuine.
• Canonical: Accepted as part of a canon of scripture.
• Verified: Confirmed as true or accurate.
• Genuine: Truly what something is said to be; authentic.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• While "apocryphal" itself is not typically part of a phrasal verb, it is central to the phrase:
  • "An apocryphal story": This is the most common collocation, directly using the adjective's second meaning.

    • The internet is full of apocryphal stories that are shared as fact.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. of or belonging to the Apocrypha
2. being of questionable authenticity

Từ đồng nghĩa

• apocryphal