Disclosed: meaning, definitions and examples
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disclosed
[ dɪsˈkloʊzd ]
legal context
To disclose means to make information known or to reveal something that was previously kept secret. This term is often used in legal or business contexts to indicate the act of revealing information that is important for transparency. Disclosures are necessary in order to comply with laws or regulations, particularly regarding the sharing of financial or sensitive information.
Synonyms
announce, divulge, inform, reveal, uncover.
Examples of usage
- The company disclosed its financial records.
- He disclosed his personal information to the agent.
- The report disclosed several key findings.
- She disclosed her plans for the project during the meeting.
Etymology
The term 'disclose' originates from the Latin word 'disclausus', which is the past participle of 'disclaudere', meaning to unclose or to reveal. This term further evolved through Old French 'disclore' before entering Middle English as 'disclosen'. The transition reflects a gradual shift from a focus on physical actions (like unclosing) to more abstract concepts of revealing information. The earliest usages date back to the late 14th century, where it primarily referred to the act of making secrets known. Over time, its application broadened to include a variety of contexts, particularly in legal, business, and personal settings, indicating the importance of transparency in communication.