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Anecdotal vs. Apocryphal — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Anecdotal and Apocryphal

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Definitions

Anecdotal

Also an·ec·dot·ic (-dŏtĭk) or an·ec·dot·i·cal (-ĭ-kəl) Of, characterized by, or full of anecdotes.

Apocryphal

Of questionable authorship or authenticity.

Anecdotal

Based on casual observations or indications rather than rigorous or scientific analysis
"There are anecdotal reports of children poisoned by hot dogs roasted over a fire of the [oleander] stems" (C. Claiborne Ray).

Apocryphal

Erroneous; fictitious
"Wildly apocryphal rumors about starvation in Petrograd ... raced through Russia's trenches" (W. Bruce Lincoln).

Anecdotal

Of the nature of or relating to an anecdote.
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Apocryphal

Apocryphal(Bible) Of or having to do with the Apocrypha.

Anecdotal

Containing or abounding in anecdotes.

Apocryphal

(Christianity) Of, or pertaining to, the Apocrypha.

Anecdotal

Pertaining to, or abounding with, anecdotes; as, anecdotal conversation.

Apocryphal

(by extension) Of doubtful authenticity, or lacking authority; not regarded as canonical.
Many scholars consider the stories of the monk Teilo to be apocryphal.
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Anecdotal

Having the character of an anecdote;
Anecdotal evidence

Apocryphal

(by extension) 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.

Anecdotal

Characterized by or given to telling anecdotes;
Anecdotal conversation
An anectodal history of jazz
He was at his anecdotic best

Apocryphal

Pertaining to the Apocrypha.

Apocryphal

Not canonical. Hence: Of doubtful authority; equivocal; mythic; fictitious; spurious; false.
The passages . . . are, however, in part from apocryphal or fictitious works.

Apocryphal

Of questionable authenticity

Apocryphal

Of or belonging to the Apocrypha

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