dictate

American  

[dik-teyt, dik-teyt, dik-teyt] / ˈdɪk teɪt, dɪkˈteɪt, ˈdɪk teɪt /

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.

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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:

   bidding

dictate British  

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

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noun

1. an authoritative command

2. a guiding principle or rule

   the dictates of reason

Other Word Forms

• dictatingly adverb
• misdictated adjective
• predictate verb (used with object)
• redictate verb
• undictated adjective

Etymology

Origin of dictate

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”

Explanation

When you dictate something, you are giving orders — acting a bit like a dictator. Dictate can also be used in a broader sense. Weather often dictates how many layers of clothes you wear, and the school rules dictate how you behave in and out of class. In a very different meaning, dictate means to say something out loud to a person or into a machine so it can be recorded. Up until fairly recently, bosses dictated letters and reports to secretaries who wrote them down.

Example Sentences

And my values, our values, democratic values, should dictate that our love for you and appreciation for your rights should be the same.

From Slate • Apr. 29, 2026

Even though Perez appreciates the positives of Arbeloa's tenure, results dictate decisions at the Bernabeu.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

The United States does not get to dictate the terms of upcoming trade talks, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Wednesday, when asked about reports that Washington wanted an "entry fee" before starting negotiations.

From Barron's • Apr. 22, 2026

The reauthorization bill will dictate the future operations of a network created as a dedicated lane for emergency responders.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

Can you give me some research to show her she's wrong to dictate my hijab color?

From "Saints and Misfits" by S.K. Ali

Related Words

• govern
• guide
• impose
• lay down
• prescribe