apocryphal | SAT Word of the Day
⚡️ APOCRYPHAL most nearly means: (A) made-up; (B) complicated; (C) ancient; (D) sacred. 👉 Answer + examples, pronunciation, and full SAT explanation inside.
ℹ️ Part of speech of apocryphal
apocryphal is an ADJECTIVE.
🗣️ Pronunciation of apocryphal
apocryphal is pronounced /ə.ˈpɑ.krə.fəl/ or uh-POH-kruh-fuhl.
📚️ Definition of apocryphal
Of doubtful authenticity; false or fabricated, though widely believed. Example: an apocryphal story.
📰 Examples
Here are some examples of apocryphal in usage:
The story of Einstein failing math is completely apocryphal–he actually excelled in mathematics from a young age.
Many urban legends begin as apocryphal anecdotes that spread by word of mouth until they're accepted as truth, even though there's no evidence to support them.
The apocryphal tale of King Cnut commanding the tide to stop was actually meant to demonstrate his limitations, not his arrogance, but many retell only the misinterpreted version. (Read the story here.)
✅ Quiz answer
Answer to the question above:
A, made-up. Explanations: Something apocryphal is of dubious authenticity or fabricated, despite being widely circulated. B (complicated) describes something convoluted but doesn't address authenticity. C (ancient) refers to age, not accuracy. D (sacred) actually has historical connections to the word's origin, but in modern usage, apocryphal means questionable or fabricated.