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View synonyms for

dictate

[ verb dik-teyt, dik-teyt; noun dik-teyt ]

verb (used with object)

dictated, dictating.
  1. to say or read (something) aloud for another person to transcribe or for a machine to record:

    to dictate some letters to a secretary.

  2. to prescribe or lay down authoritatively or peremptorily; command unconditionally:

    to dictate peace terms to a conquered enemy.



verb (used without object)

dictated, dictating.
  1. to say or read aloud something to be written down by a person or recorded by a machine.
  2. to give orders.

noun

  1. an authoritative order or command.
  2. a guiding or governing principle, requirement, etc.:

    to follow the dictates of one's conscience.

    Synonyms:

dictate

verb

  1. to say (messages, letters, speeches, etc) aloud for mechanical recording or verbatim transcription by another person
  2. tr to prescribe (commands) authoritatively
  3. intr to act in a tyrannical manner; seek to impose one's will on others
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. an authoritative command
  2. a guiding principle or rule

    the dictates of reason

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Other Word Forms

  • 徱t·Բ· adverb
  • ·徱t· adjective
  • ·徱tٱ verb (used with object) predictated predictating
  • ·徱tٱ verb redictated redictating
  • ܲ·徱t· adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of dictate1

First recorded in 1585–95; from Latin 徱ٳܲ “said repeatedly,” past participle of “to say repeatedly, order, prescribe,” from ī “to say, speak, tell”
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Word History and Origins

Origin of dictate1

C17: from Latin to say repeatedly, order, from ī to say
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

It's standard practice for teachers to dictate how students address them: First name or last name?

From

The guidelines don't dictate what a driver in his situation should do, but taking the lead back by going off track is not an option.

From

Yes, very much like the Samantha Jones rule of fame dictates on “Sex and the City.”

From

Fabric and cut really dictate what poses are possible.

From

“No government — regardless of which party is in power — should dictate what private universities can teach, whom they can admit and hire, and which areas of study and inquiry they can pursue,” Garber responded.

From

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Dictaphonedictating machine