divulge
C1Formal or neutral; more common in written contexts.
Definition
Meaning
To make known (private or sensitive information) that was previously secret.
To reveal or disclose information, often against the wishes or expectations of the source of the information.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word implies the information is private, confidential, or not generally known. It often carries a sense of breaking a confidence. It's not typically used for simple, non-sensitive facts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Both use it identically in formal and journalistic contexts.
Connotations
Slightly formal in both varieties. In legal and corporate contexts, it has a strong sense of breaching confidentiality.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American legal and corporate media.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[subject] divulge [information] (to [person])[subject] divulge that [clause][subject] divulge [wh-word clause]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Spill the beans (informal equivalent)”
- “Let the cat out of the bag (informal equivalent)”
- “Lift the veil on”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The CEO refused to divulge the terms of the merger before the official announcement.
Academic
The study participants were promised anonymity, so researchers cannot divulge their identities.
Everyday
He wouldn't divulge how much he paid for the new car.
Technical
The engineer was contractually forbidden from divulging the proprietary algorithm.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He was ordered by the court not to divulge the witness's address.
- The newspaper is being sued for divulging confidential sources.
- She finally divulged where she had hidden the key.
American English
- The company cannot divulge personal customer data.
- The senator refused to divulge who funded the campaign.
- After the subpoena, he was forced to divulge the emails.
adverb
British English
- This sentence does not contain an adverb form of 'divulge'.
- N/A
American English
- This sentence does not contain an adverb form of 'divulge'.
- N/A
adjective
British English
- This sentence does not contain an adjective form of 'divulge'.
- N/A
American English
- This sentence does not contain an adjective form of 'divulge'.
- N/A
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He didn't want to divulge his age.
- The journalist promised not to divulge her source.
- Can you divulge the secret recipe?
- Under pressure, the official divulged key details of the security breach.
- The contract forbids employees from divulging trade secrets.
- She reluctantly divulged that she was planning to leave the company.
- The whistleblower's decision to divulge the documents triggered a major scandal.
- Witnesses are protected by law and cannot be compelled to divulge self-incriminating information.
- The algorithm is designed to analyse data without divulging the underlying personal identifiers.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a DIVA on stage being URGED (divulge) to tell her secrets. A DIVA being URGED to DIVULGE.
Conceptual Metaphor
INFORMATION IS A CONTAINER (to divulge is to open the container and let the contents out).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation to "выдавать" in the sense of 'to issue/give out'.
- Do not confuse with "divert" (отвлекать).
- It is not a synonym for "tell" or "say" in general; it's specifically for secrets/confidential info.
Common Mistakes
- I will divulge you the news. (Correct: I will divulge the news TO you.)
- She divulged about her plans. (Correct: She divulged her plans.)
- Using it for public information: *The website divulged the weather forecast.
Practice
Quiz
In which situation is the word 'divulge' used MOST appropriately?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Divulge' often implies revealing something secret or private, perhaps indiscreetly. 'Reveal' is more general and neutral. 'Disclose' is more formal and often used in legal, official, or business contexts for making information known.
Yes, but it's less common. For example: 'The author finally divulged the plot for the next book, thrilling her fans.' However, the core sense of breaking confidentiality often remains.
It is a transitive verb. Common patterns: 1) divulge + noun (divulge information), 2) divulge + that-clause (divulged that he was ill), 3) divulge + wh-clause (wouldn't divulge where he was).
It is moderately common, especially in written English, journalism, legal, and business contexts. It is less frequent in casual spoken conversation, where 'tell', 'let slip', or 'give away' might be used instead.