How to pronounce apocryphal
Say it like uh-PAH-krih-ful. Apocryphal has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (PAH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce apocryphal. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- uh
- PAH
- krih
- ful
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Apocryphal pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- PAHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- krihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- fulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of apocryphal
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: uh-POK-rih-ful.
What does apocryphal mean?
- Of, or pertaining to, the Apocrypha.
- Of doubtful authenticity, or lacking authority; not regarded as canonical.“Many scholars consider the stories of the monk Teilo to be apocryphal.”
- Of dubious veracity; of questionable accuracy or truthfulness; anecdotal or in the nature of an urban legend.“There is an apocryphal tale of a little boy plugging the dike with his finger.”
Where does apocryphal come from?
From apocrypha + -al.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying apocryphal
How do you pronounce apocryphal?
Say uh-PAH-krih-ful. The American pronunciation is /əˈpɑkrɪfəl/. In British English it is /əˈpɒkrɪfəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in apocryphal?
Apocryphal has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (PAH). Broken into parts: uh · PAH · krih · ful.
Is apocryphal pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /əˈpɒkrɪfəl/ (uh-POK-rih-ful).