Divulgatory

Divulgatory is an adjective used to describe actions, materials, or communications intended to disclose information to a general audience. It derives from the noun divulgation, the act of making previously obscure or specialized information public, and ultimately from Latin divulgare, meaning to unfold or make common. In English, divulgatory terms often appear in discussions of science communication, journalism, and public policy, where the goal is to translate complex findings into accessible explanations without concealing essential details.

The term is typically used to characterize formats or strategies rather than content itself. Examples include divulgatory science writing, which explains research results for non-specialists; divulgatory museums or outreach programs that present evidence and methods to the public; and divulgatory reports or briefings that synthesize policy-relevant information for lay audiences. It is distinct from didactic or promotional language in that it aims to inform rather than persuade or instruct.

Related concepts include divulgation, disclosure, and popularization, as well as the broader field of science communication and public understanding of science. Critics warn that divulgatory material may risk oversimplification or selective emphasis; best practices emphasize accuracy, context, and transparency about uncertainties.