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disclosure

diss-KLOH-zhur /dɪsˈkloʊʒər/

nounB2TOEFLIELTSGRESAT

formallegalbusiness

The action of making new or secret information known; a revelation of facts.

Often refers to formal, legally required, or voluntary sharing of sensitive data or conflicts of interest.

The story behind the word. Formed from Latin 'disclaudere', combining 'dis-' (reversing an action) and 'claudere' (to close or shut). Literally, to 'un-close' or open a door, allowing what was hidden inside to step into public view.

Word relationships

revelation: Revelation implies a dramatic or surprising unveiling, whereas disclosure is often formal and systematic.
divulgence: Divulgence carries a connotation of revealing secret or delicate private details.

concealment: The deliberate hiding of information or facts.
secrecy: The practice of keeping information hidden from others.

Commonly confused with

closure: Closure is bringing something to an end or emotional resolution, while disclosure is revealing information.

Word family

disclose (verb): To make known or reveal secret information.
undisclosed (adjective): Not made known to the public.

Collocations

full disclosure
financial disclosure
voluntary disclosure
disclosure statement

Idioms & expressions

make a clean breast of

Example sentences

"Federal law mandates full financial disclosure before a company can sell stock to the public." Financial Regulation
"The minister made a full disclosure of his financial assets to clear his name of corruption rumors." Public Integrity

Memory hook

DIS-CLOSURE = un-closing the door on a secret. Un-close the vault of facts.

When not to use

Do not use for informal personal gossip or casual chit-chat.

Fun facts

In legal discovery, 'mandatory disclosure' requires opposing legal teams to share key evidence before a trial begins.