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Apocryphally: meaning, definitions and examples

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apocryphally

 

[ əˈpɒkrɪfəli ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

storytelling context

The term 'apocryphally' refers to something that is considered to be of questionable authenticity or not officially recognized. It is often used to describe narratives or accounts that are widely circulated but have uncertain origins or truthfulness.

Synonyms

allegedly, doubtfully, questionably

Examples of usage

  • He apocryphally claimed to have met the famous author.
  • The legend was told apocryphally for generations.
  • She recounted the event apocryphally, unsure of its accuracy.

Translations

Translations of the word "apocryphally" in other languages:

🇵🇹 apócrifo

🇮🇳 अपोक्रिफ़ल

🇩🇪 apokryph

🇮🇩 apokrif

🇺🇦 апокрифічно

🇵🇱 apokryficznie

🇯🇵 秘教的に

🇫🇷 apocryphal

🇪🇸 apócrifamente

🇹🇷 apokrif bir şekilde

🇰🇷 외경적으로

🇸🇦 شكل غير موثوق

🇨🇿 apokryfálně

🇸🇰 apokryfne

🇨🇳 伪经的

🇸🇮 apokrifno

🇮🇸 apókryfale

🇰🇿 апокрифті

🇬🇪 აპოკრიფულად

🇦🇿 apokrif şəkildə

🇲🇽 apócrifamente

Etymology

The word 'apocryphal' comes from the Greek 'apokryphos', meaning 'hidden away' or 'concealed'. It originally referred to writings that were not part of the canonical scriptures and thus were separated from accepted religious texts. Over time, the term evolved into its adverbial form 'apocryphally' and began to be used more broadly to describe any story or claim whose validity is uncertain or disputed. This transformation reflects the historical context of how stories are disseminated and believed, particularly in oral traditions where the veracity of the narrator may be questionable. Thus, ‘apocryphally’ connotes not just concealed truth, but also the intrigue and speculation that often surround mysterious or dubious narratives.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #42,569, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.