Divulge

Part of Speech

Verb

Pronunciation

/dɪˈvʌldʒ/

Definitions

• To make known or reveal information that was previously secret or private.
• To disclose or communicate something that is confidential or hidden.

Usage Examples

• He refused to divulge the details of the investigation.
• The journalist was forced to divulge her source after legal pressure.
• She would never divulge such personal information about her family.

Etymology

The word "divulge" originates from the Latin verb "divulgare," which means to spread or make public. It is composed of the prefix "di-" meaning "apart" and "vulgare," meaning "to make common" (related to "vulgar," meaning "common"). The word entered the English language in the late 16th century.

Synonyms

• Reveal
• Disclose
• Uncover
• Expose
• Publish
• Announce

Antonyms

• Conceal
• Withhold
• Suppress
• Hide
• Keep secret

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In American English, the pronunciation is generally /dɪˈvʌldʒ/.
• In British English, the pronunciation is also /dɪˈvʌldʒ/, but may sometimes have a slightly softer "j" sound.

Historical Usage

The term "divulge" has been used since the 16th century and was initially used in the context of making information public, especially in legal or political matters. It gained popularity during the Renaissance when the dissemination of knowledge became increasingly important. Over time, its use expanded to cover any kind of revelation, whether personal, political, or scientific.

Cultural Nuances

The act of divulging information can be viewed differently in various cultures. In some cultures, revealing personal or family matters is considered a breach of privacy or taboo, while in others, transparency and openness are valued. In legal and journalistic contexts, divulging information is often seen as a responsibility, although it can have consequences depending on the nature of the information revealed.

More Information

The act of divulging information plays a crucial role in modern society, especially in the age of digital communication. It is integral to fields like journalism, law, and politics, where the flow of information can influence public opinion, policy, and even global events. While divulging information can lead to greater accountability and transparency, it can also lead to privacy breaches, misinformation, and legal consequences. Thus, the responsibility to divulge information is often balanced with the ethical considerations surrounding its potential impact.