Anecdotal vs. Apocryphal — What's the Difference?
Difference Between Anecdotal and Apocryphal
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Definitions
Anecdotal
Also an·ec·dot·ic (-dŏtĭk) 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