dictate
verb (used with object)
to say or read (something) aloud for another person to transcribe or for a machine to record.
dictating
-
present participleof dictate.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Some communities have strong cultural traditions dictating who should fill the caretaker role — in many cases, that’s the eldest daughter.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 27, 2026
“People seem to be obsessed with now dictating what I’ll do and when?!”
From Salon ● Jun. 25, 2026
In 1962, Fifa issued eligibility criteria, dictating that players must have citizenship of the country they wished to play for, and could no longer represent more than one nation over their career.
From BBC ● Jun. 23, 2026
“I personally believe that when you know your characters well enough they will start dictating their actions,” he wrote.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 10, 2026
I’d been swimming for what felt like an hour, and I was so exhausted that the waves were now dictating my direction.
From "Flying Through Water" by Mamle Wolo
