HOW TO PRONOUNCE
apocryphal
/əˈpɑkɹəfəl/
Press play to hear how to pronounce apocryphal.
American Pronunciation Guide · 0:39
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Stress “poc”; “ph” sounds like “f.”
Use four syllables with a light opening vowel. Put the main beat on the second syllable and keep the final two syllables quieter and shorter.
4 syllables · Stress on syllable 2
TRY SAYING
“The historian described the tale as apocryphal.”
APG practice sentence · CC BY-SA 4.0
CMU Pronouncing Dictionary ↗What does apocryphal mean?
adjective
- Of, or pertaining to, the Apocrypha.
- Of doubtful authenticity, or lacking authority; not regarded as canonical.
- Of dubious veracity; of questionable accuracy or truthfulness; anecdotal or in the nature of an urban legend.
More meanings (1)
adjective
- Of or relating to the Apocrypha.
Definitions regrouped for readability · CC BY-SA 4.0
IPA pronunciation
/əˈpɑkɹəfəl/
Pronunciation used in the listening tip.
CMU Pronouncing Dictionary ↗Pronunciation varies by speaker and region. About these dictionary pronunciations.
In the pages of books
See this word in context.
“Sam, I think this rather apocryphal,—this miracle. Crossing on floating ice isn’t so easily done,” said Mr. Shelby.
This may be apocryphal, a word which, as I am left at liberty, I always interpret false.
More book examples (3)
We must, however, regard the stories told of the ancient British chariots armed with swords or scythes as altogether apocryphal.
Evidence, good and bad, letters as apocryphal as the letters of the famous “casket,” have been produced on both sides.
From the point of view of legends, the apocryphal books are of subordinate importance, while the pseudepigrapha are of fundamental value.