disclosure
diss-KLOH-zhur
/dɪsˈkləʊ.ʒər/
The formal act of revealing private, regulatory, or operational information to the public or authorities.
Refers to legally enforced, structured reporting rather than informal gossip.
The story behind the word. Formed from 'dis-' (un-) and Latin 'claudere' (to close). To disclose literally means to un-close or open up information that was shut away.
Word relationships
- revelation: Revelation implies dramatic discovery; disclosure describes organized regulatory reporting.
- concealment: The intentional withholding or hiding of statutory facts.
Commonly confused with
- exposure: Exposure carries a negative connotation of uncovering misconduct; disclosure is routine legal reporting.
Word family
- disclose (verb): To reveal or make known.
Collocations
- full disclosure
- financial disclosure
- non-disclosure agreement
Idioms & expressions
- full disclosure
Example sentences
- "Public companies must observe rules of financial disclosure to maintain market transparency." Securities law
- "Both parties signed a non-disclosure agreement before sharing proprietary technological data." Corporate negotiations
Memory hook
DISCLOSE is un-CLOSING the financial books. Making legal information public.
When not to use
Do not use to describe casual social secrets or gossip.
Fun facts
- Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis famously advocated disclosure: 'Sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants.'
Related words
Explore more words
disclose, exposé, transparency, discourse, whistleblower, confide
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