dictate

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

verb (used with object)

, dic·tat·ed, dic·tat·ing.

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)

, dic·tat·ed, dic·tat·ing.

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: bidding

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

noun

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

   the dictates of reason

Other Words From

• dictat·ing·ly adverb
• mis·dictat·ed adjective
• pre·dictate verb (used with object) predictated predictating
• re·dictate verb redictated redictating
• un·dictat·ed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dictate¹

First recorded in 1585–95; from Latin dictātus “said repeatedly,” past participle of dictāre “to say repeatedly, order, prescribe,” from dīcere “to say, speak, tell”

Word History and Origins

Origin of dictate¹

C17: from Latin dictāre to say repeatedly, order, from dīcere to say

Example Sentences

Cedric would never dictate what would go or come off the menu, the same way I would never tell Cedric how the dining room should be run or what’s on the wine list.

From Salon

Amendments can be made to the legislation as it passes through parliament, and Parry says his "strong preference" is for the regulator to have the power to dictate its own financial settlement, rather than having to choose one of the proposals put forward by the leagues.

From BBC

The soup stands proudly without it, so your preference will dictate, but a tiny bit of rich cream brings about a comforting and elegant finish, making it even more of a standout first course for your upcoming holiday meals.

From Salon

He has repeatedly called on the EU to demand an "unconditional and immediate ceasefire" between Ukraine and Russia: going against the insistence among Ukraine’s Western allies to date that Kyiv should dictate its own terms.

From BBC

"The outcome of the race will dictate a good deal about how competitive Ohio will likely be between Democrats and Republicans moving forward," said Robert Alexander, the founding director of Bowling Green State University's Democracy and Public Policy Research Network in Ohio.

From Salon

Related Words

• govern
• guide
• impose
• lay down
• prescribe