- Today's Word
Apocryphal
Apocryphal
uh-POK-ruh-fuhl
Definition
(adjective) Of doubtful authenticity, although widely believed to be true.
Example
The story of Einstein failing math as a child is entirely apocryphal.
Word Origin
Late 16th century: from ecclesiastical Latin apocryphalus, from Greek apokruphos ‘hidden’, from apokruptein ‘to hide away’.
Fun Fact
Apocryphal is often used to describe myths, urban legends, and viral stories that sound believable—but fall apart under scrutiny. The word was originally used to describe religious texts that were excluded from the official Bible due to doubtful origins. Today, you’ll find it in journalism, education, and pop culture critique—anywhere facts are murky and stories stick around despite being debunked.