What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
leak
Example
The faucet is leaking water. [leaking: present participle]
Example
The company's financial information was leaked to the press. [leaked: past tense]
disclose
Example
The lawyer disclosed new evidence in the trial. [disclosed: past tense]
Example
The company is required by law to disclose its financial statements. [disclose: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Disclose is more commonly used than leak in formal contexts such as legal and business settings. However, leak is more commonly used in the media and journalism to describe the unauthorized release of confidential information.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between leak and disclose?
Disclose is generally considered more formal than leak. While leak can be used in both formal and informal contexts, it is often associated with a more informal tone due to its common usage in the media and journalism.