Divulge vs. Reveal — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 3, 2024
Divulge implies disclosing information that is sensitive or confidential, often with a sense of secrecy, while reveal is more general, pertaining to the disclosure of any information or truth.
Difference Between Divulge and Reveal
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Divulge typically carries a connotation of revealing something that was supposed to remain secret or private, emphasizing the sensitivity of the disclosed information. On the other hand, reveal can refer to the act of making known or visible any information, facts, or details that were previously unknown or hidden.
Divulging information often involves a breach of confidence or a deliberate decision to share confidential details, which can affect trust and privacy. In contrast, revealing something can simply be part of routine communication or clarification, without any implications of betrayal or confidentiality.
The use of divulge often suggests an element of risk or consequence associated with the sharing of the information, as it might include private, protected, or insider details. Meanwhile, reveal is used broadly and does not inherently suggest consequences or the sharing of sensitive information.
In legal or professional contexts, divulge is used to denote the sharing of information that is not to be disclosed to the public or unauthorized individuals, such as trade secrets or personal data. Reveal, however, is used in a wide array of contexts, from everyday discoveries to significant announcements without specific legal implications.
The emotional weight of divulge is generally heavier, implying a careful choice to expose something significant, whereas reveal is neutral and does not carry the same depth of implication regarding the nature or importance of the information shared.
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Comparison Chart
Connotation
Confidential, sensitive information
General disclosure of information
Implication
Breach of confidence, risk involved
Neutral, no inherent risk
Use in Context
Often in legal, private settings
Broad usage in various contexts
Emotional Weight
Heavier, cautious
Lighter, straightforward
Legal Context
Specific, about protected info
General, no specific legal weight
Compare with Definitions
Divulge
To reveal information that is supposed to be confidential.
The lawyer was careful not to divulge sensitive information about the case.
Reveal
To make (previously unknown or secret information) known to others.
The author revealed the plot twist halfway through the book.
Divulge
To make known (information, especially that which was previously private).
She was hesitant to divulge personal details during the interview.
Reveal
To allow something to be seen that, until then, had been hidden.
He pulled back the curtain to reveal the new sculpture.
Divulge
To disclose or reveal (something private, secret, or previously unknown).
He refused to divulge the secrets of the clandestine organization.
Reveal
To show or demonstrate something clearly to others.
The results of the experiment revealed the hypothesis to be correct.
Divulge
To uncover and bring to light information that is meant to be confidential.
The whistleblower divulged the company’s unethical practices to the media.
Reveal
To unveil or uncover something in a dramatic or significant manner.
The ceremony was held to reveal the monument to the public.
Divulge
To expose to public knowledge something that is supposed to be kept secret.
The report divulged details of the private meeting.
Reveal
To disclose facts or information openly and without hiding them.
The study revealed the effects of the new medication.
Divulge
To make known (something private or secret).
Reveal
To make known (something concealed or unknown)
She revealed that she was pregnant. The study revealed the toxic effects of the pollutant.
Divulge
(Archaic) To proclaim publicly.
Reveal
To cause to be seen; show
The curtains parted, revealing a ballerina. The x-ray revealed a broken bone.
Divulge
(transitive) To make public or known; to communicate to the public; to tell (information, especially a secret) so that it may become generally known.
I will never divulge that secret to anyone.
Reveal
To make known by supernatural or divine means
"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven" (Romans 1:18).
Divulge
To indicate publicly; to proclaim.
Reveal
The making known of an important, secret, or salient occurrence, such as the revealing of a major development, plot twist, or visual effect in a movie
"Seeing [the Wiz] in human form in the first act diminishes the power of the reveal in the second" (Bob Verini).
Divulge
To make public; to several or communicate to the public; to tell (a secret) so that it may become generally known; to disclose; - said of that which had been confided as a secret, or had been before unknown; as, to divulge a secret.
Divulge not such a love as mine.
Reveal
The part of the side of a window or door opening that is between the outer surface of a wall and the window or door frame.
Divulge
To indicate publicly; to proclaim.
God . . . marksThe just man, and divulges him through heaven.
Reveal
The whole side of such an opening; the jamb.
Divulge
To impart; to communicate.
Which would not be
To them [animals] made common and divulged.
Reveal
The framework of a motor vehicle window.
Divulge
To become publicly known.
Reveal
The outer side of a window or door frame.
Divulge
Make known to the public information that was previously known only to a few people or that was meant to be kept a secret;
The auction house would not disclose the price at which the van Gogh had sold
The actress won't reveal how old she is
Bring out the truth
He broke the news to her
Reveal
A revelation; an uncovering of what was hidden in the scene or story.
The comedian had been telling us about his sleep being disturbed by noise. Then came the reveal: he was sleeping on a bed in a department store.
Reveal
(transitive) To uncover; to show and display that which was hidden.
Reveal
(transitive) To communicate that which could not be known or discovered without divine or supernatural instruction.
Reveal
To make known (that which has been concealed or kept secret); to unveil; to disclose; to show.
Light was the wound, the prince's care unknown,She might not, would not, yet reveal her own.
Reveal
Specifically, to communicate (that which could not be known or discovered without divine or supernatural instruction or agency).
Reveal
A revealing; a disclosure.
Reveal
The side of an opening for a window, doorway, or the like, between the door frame or window frame and the outer surface of the wall; or, where the opening is not filled with a door, etc., the whole thickness of the wall; the jamb.
Reveal
Make visible;
Summer brings out bright clothes
He brings out the best in her
The newspaper uncovered the President's illegal dealings
Reveal
Make known to the public information that was previously known only to a few people or that was meant to be kept a secret;
The auction house would not disclose the price at which the van Gogh had sold
The actress won't reveal how old she is
Bring out the truth
He broke the news to her
Reveal
Make clear and visible;
The article revealed the policies of the government
Reveal
Disclose directly or through prophets;
God rarely reveal his plans for Mankind
Common Curiosities
What does it mean to divulge information?
To divulge information means to disclose something that is secret or confidential.
What is the origin of the word 'divulge'?
The word 'divulge' comes from the Latin "divulgare," meaning to make common or public.
Why is it important to understand the difference between divulge and reveal?
Understanding the difference helps in communicating the sensitivity of the information being shared, which can affect privacy, legal implications, and personal relationships.
Is there a difference between divulge and disclose?
Yes, divulge specifically implies revealing something confidential or secret, whereas disclose can be used in a broader context without the implication of secrecy.
Can reveal be used interchangeably with divulge?
Not always; reveal is broader and can refer to any kind of disclosure, while divulge specifically refers to sharing confidential or protected information.
What are synonyms for divulge?
Synonyms for divulge include disclose, leak, expose, and unveil, each with slightly different connotations.
What emotional effects might divulging sensitive information have?
Divulging sensitive information can lead to feelings of betrayal, loss of trust, or relief, depending on the context.
What are synonyms for reveal?
Synonyms for reveal include show, expose, uncover, and disclose, commonly used in various contexts.
How do writers use the concept of divulge in literature?
Writers use divulge to create tension or resolve plot points by revealing critical secrets or confidential details.
What types of information are typically not divulged?
Personal data, trade secrets, and information covered by confidentiality agreements are typically not divulged.
How does the media use the term reveal?
The media uses reveal for announcements or discoveries that are intended to inform the public about something newsworthy.
What is the impact of divulging information in a corporate setting?
Divulging information in a corporate setting can lead to breaches of trust, legal penalties, or damage to the company's reputation.
What is a practical example of reveal in everyday life?
A practical example is revealing the gender of a baby at a gender reveal party.
Can divulging information ever be legally justified?
Yes, under certain circumstances such as whistleblowing on illegal activities, divulging information can be legally justified.
How does cultural context affect the interpretation of reveal and divulge?
Cultural context can affect how the disclosure of information is viewed, with some cultures placing higher importance on privacy and confidentiality.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
