Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/dɪsˈkloʊʒər/

Definitions

• Noun: The action of making something known or public, especially information that was previously confidential.
• Noun: A statement or document revealing facts, typically in a legal, financial, or ethical context.
• Noun: The act of revealing information that was hidden, secret, or private.

Usage Examples

• "The company issued a disclosure about its financial losses last quarter."
• "He made a disclosure of his involvement in the project to the board of directors."
• "The disclosure of sensitive government information caused an uproar."

Etymology

The word "disclosure" comes from the verb "disclose," which means to reveal or make known. "Disclose" is derived from the Latin verb "disclaudere," where "dis-" means "apart" or "away" and "claudere" means "to close." Thus, the term originally meant to "open" or "uncover" something that was closed or secret. The noun "disclosure" was first recorded in the 16th century.

Synonyms

• Revelation
• Announcement
• Exposure
• Divulgence
• Disclosure
• Unveiling

Antonyms

• Concealment
• Suppression
• Secrecy
• Hide
• Cover-up

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In American English, "disclosure" is typically pronounced with a slightly softer 'o' sound (/dɪsˈkloʊʒər/), while in British English, the 'o' can be slightly more pronounced (/dɪsˈkləʊʒə/). However, regional accents may influence the vowel sounds, especially in the 'o' and 'e' sounds.

Historical Usage

The term "disclosure" began to be widely used in legal contexts in the 16th century, referring to the act of revealing or making public certain information. Over time, its usage expanded to business, finance, and governance, particularly when dealing with transparency in financial reports, business practices, and legal documentation. In modern times, disclosure is commonly used in the context of privacy laws, corporate governance, and financial transparency.

Cultural Nuances

In various cultures, the act of disclosure can carry different ethical and social implications. For example, in legal contexts, disclosure is often considered a moral obligation, especially for the protection of public interest. However, in personal or familial contexts, the act of disclosure may be seen as a betrayal or a breach of trust, depending on the nature of the information revealed. In business, disclosure is typically viewed as a requirement for maintaining transparency, but the extent and timing of such disclosures may be influenced by corporate interests and cultural practices.

More Information

Disclosure is a key principle in areas such as law, business ethics, and transparency. It plays an essential role in ensuring that stakeholders, the public, and regulatory bodies have access to critical information. For instance, companies are required by law to disclose their financial performance and other material facts to shareholders and regulators. In the healthcare industry, disclosure is vital for informed consent, where patients must be fully aware of the risks and benefits of a medical procedure. In governance, public officials are often required to disclose their financial assets and liabilities to ensure transparency and prevent conflicts of interest.