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Reading notes: Apocryphal
Apocryphal (adjective): Of doubtful truth or authenticity, especially when describing a widely repeated story.
Use it accurately
Calling a story apocryphal signals doubt about its reliability; it need not mean that you have proved every detail false. “An apocryphal story” is a useful pairing in discussions of anecdotes.
Original example sentences
The guide described the tale about the hidden tunnel as apocryphal.
An apocryphal quotation circulated online without a reliable source.
Check your understanding
Does a story become reliable simply because many people repeat it?
Answer: No. Its source still needs checking; a popular story may be apocryphal.
Read more examples of apocryphal
Dictionary reference: Apocryphal
Keep uncertainty visible
A popular anecdote about an inventor appears on several websites, but none identifies a dependable source.
Think it through: Rewrite “The inventor definitely said this” to show that the story may be apocryphal.
Check the explanation
One possibility is: “An apparently apocryphal story attributes the remark to the inventor.” The wording signals doubt rather than treating repetition as proof. It also avoids claiming that you have established the exact opposite.
Your turn: Explain the difference between an unsupported story and a verified quotation in your own words.
Turn watching into practice
- Listen for a word or phrase you want to learn. Pause and repeat it aloud.
- Write its meaning in your own words, then replay to check your understanding.
- Create a sentence about your own life. Say it aloud without looking at your notes.