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

“I thought defensively we had some breakdowns. When we’re playing good offense, you just can’t let it dictate your defense and let your guard down. I thought tonight we weren’t really good defensively.”

From Los Angeles Times

You dictate the kind you want — I chose “total back and glutes,” but “upper and mid-back focus” and “lower back, glutes and hamstrings focus” were also offerings.

From Los Angeles Times

Over time, land use and infrastructure quality—the frequency of transit service, ease of driving, and safety of biking—will largely dictate how people travel.

From Slate

Now, instead of allowing the market to dictate what they can and can’t do, the Dodgers are dictating the market.

From Los Angeles Times

In turn, those qualities dictate the nuts and bolts of an actual intervention strategy.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• govern
• guide
• impose
• lay down
• prescribe