apocryphal
UK[əˈpɒkrɪf(ə)l]US[əˈpɑːkrɪf(ə)l]
adj
(of a story or statement) of doubtful authenticity, although widely circulated as being true.
adj
of or belonging to the Apocrypha.
Morpheme Breakdown
apo
cryph
al
apo
away, from
cryph
hidden
al
adjective suffix
Etymology
the word 'apocryphal' has a journey from secrecy to skepticism. it originates from the ecclesiastical latin apocryphus, meaning "secret, not approved for public reading," which itself derives from the greek apokryphos (hidden). this greek term is a compound of apo- (away) and kryptein (to hide). originally used to describe biblical writings of hidden or disputed origin (the apocrypha), the meaning broadened in english during the late 16th century. it evolved from denoting "of hidden authorship" to its modern sense of "of doubtful authenticity," as stories of obscure origin are naturally viewed with suspicion.
Analysis
Structure: apo (away, from) + cryph (hidden) + al (adjective suffix)
- apo: greek prefix meaning "away, from, off".
- cryph: from greek kryptein (to hide), appearing here in a form adapted into english spelling.
- al: latin-derived suffix forming adjectives meaning "of, relating to".
Examples
the apocryphal tale about george washington chopping down a cherry tree is widely known but historically unverified.
she dismissed the rumor as an amusing but apocryphal piece of office gossip.
many of the quotes attributed to famous historical figures are apocryphal.