🇺🇸
/əˈpɑːstɪlz/
🇺🇸
/əˈpɑːstɪlz/
🇬🇧
/əˈpɑː.sɪlz/
🇬🇧
/əˈpɑː.sɪlz/
Plural
apostilles
An apostille is a special international certification stamp or attached certificate that verifies the authenticity of a public document (like a birth certificate or diploma) so it's legally accepted in other countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention — think of it as a 'passport for paperwork'. For example, if you're moving to France with your U.S. marriage license, you'll need an apostille to prove it's genuine.
She needed an apostille on her university degree before applying for a job in Germany.
The notary office processed the apostille request within three business days.
Without a valid apostille, the adoption papers were not recognized by the Brazilian authorities.
Many countries require an apostille for foreign academic transcripts submitted to universities.
The Secretary of State's office issues apostilles for documents originating in their jurisdiction.
apo-
Comes from Ancient Greek 'apo' (ἀπό), meaning 'away from', 'off', or 'separate'. It conveys separation, removal, or detachment. Examples include apostle (one sent away), apostasy (a turning away from faith), apogee (point farthest from Earth), and apothecary (originally a keeper of stores kept apart).
stil-
Derived from Latin 'stilus' (a pointed instrument for writing on wax tablets), meaning 'writing tool' or 'style of writing'. Over time, 'stilus' evolved into 'stilus → stile → style → apostille', reflecting its function as an official written annotation. Related words include style, stylus, and stencil.