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.
"There's no magic line" dictating what defines a nation, he told AFP, but noted Alberta's case for nationhood appears harder to make than that of other groups, like Catalans, Scots and French-speaking Canadians in Quebec.
From Barron's ● Oct. 15, 2026
“Catchers, I think it’s the most important position on the field. They’re the ones calling pitches, dictating game flow, rhythm, all that type of stuff. I’m going to trust those guys always.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 12, 2026
"To describe that as dictating is not only unfair on the Ulster Farmers' Union, it's also actually somewhat disingenuous."
From BBC ● Aug. 17, 2026
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
“She’s not there enough to listen. She’s always dictating, then out the door. But starting in two days, when I’m eighteen, I make the decisions.”
From "Five Feet Apart" by Rachael Lippincott
