apocryphal
/əˈpɒkrɪfəl/
adjective
Origin
Ancient Greek
ἀπόκρυφος (apokryphos) — hidden, obscure
Overview
Meaning Now
- Of doubtful authenticity, although widely circulated as being true.
- Relating to or denoting the Apocrypha, the collection of ancient Jewish or Christian writings not accepted as part of the canonical Bible.
Literal older meaning
hidden away
Language path
Ancient Greek → Late Latin → Middle French → English
Earliest form
apocrif
Earliest period
14th century
Journey
The term originated in a religious context to distinguish between canonical scripture and secondary texts. Over time, the negative connotation of 'hidden' or 'unauthorized' shifted to mean simply 'fictitious' or 'dubious' in secular contexts.
Evolution
- Ancient Greek
ἀπόκρυφος
“hidden away; kept secret”
Used to describe esoteric writings intended only for the initiated.
- Late Latin
apocryphus
“books of unknown or questioned authorship”
Used by ecclesiastical writers to label non-canonical texts.
- Middle English
apocrifal
“not authentic; pertaining to the Apocrypha”
Connections
Word parts
apo-
prefix
away from
kryph-
root
to hide
-al
suffix
pertaining to
Related across languages
French
apocryphe
apocryphal
German
apokryph
apocryphal
Related words
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External references use DefinedTerm semantics.