It isn't vulgar to make known the roots of divulge. The preceding sentence contains two hints about the origins of the word. Divulge was borrowed into Middle English in the 15th century from Latin divulgare, a word that combines the prefix dis-, meaning "apart" or "in different directions," with vulgare, meaning "to make known." Vulgare, in turn, derives from the Latin noun vulgus, meaning "mob" or "common people." As you have no doubt guessed, English vulgar is another word that can be traced back to vulgus.
reveal may apply to supernatural or inspired revelation of truths beyond the range of ordinary human vision or reason.
divine will as revealed in sacred writings
disclose may imply a discovering but more often an imparting of information previously kept secret.
candidates must disclose their financial assets
divulge implies a disclosure involving some impropriety or breach of confidence.
refused to divulge an anonymous source
tell implies an imparting of necessary or useful information.
told them what he had overheard
betray implies a divulging that represents a breach of faith or an involuntary or unconscious disclosure.
a blush that betrayed her embarrassment
Example Sentences
The company will not divulge its sales figures. we tried to make him divulge the name of the winner, but he wouldn't budge
Recent Examples on the WebLM Restaurants, which also owns Oceanic in Pompano Beach, went on to say that Moréa was sold but declined to divulge the name of the new owner or possible plans for the venue. Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 7 Sep. 2022 Toney declined to divulge what has ailed him this year and couldn’t judge yet if the absences from practices and the preseason had put him behind. Mark Inabinett | Minabinett@al.com, al, 4 Sep. 2022 Jeremy Pelzer reports that the drug policy reform group Harm Reduction Ohio, claims the board is refusing to divulge records from May and June meetings or allow the public to attend. Mike Rose, cleveland, 10 Aug. 2022 Understandably, the Diamondbacks are careful to not divulge their secrets. Theo Mackie, The Arizona Republic, 29 July 2022 Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office made the stunning announcement on its website and planned to divulge more about the case during a press conference on Thursday. Stephanie Pagones, Fox News, 9 June 2022 The news release did not divulge further details, and officials did not immediately return calls seeking comment. Michelle Del Rey, San Antonio Express-News, 18 Aug. 2022 But what got Didi in trouble with those regulators in the first place was concerns that, in meeting disclosure rules of an overseas exchange, the company would divulge data compromising national security. Clay Chandler, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2022 Santana didn't divulge much about a skin-care routine but credits his complexion to dutifully sticking to his self-care ritual, which includes plenty of rest and most importantly, alone time. Talia Smith, Allure, 20 July 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from Latin divulgare, from dis- + vulgare to make known, from vulgus mob