dictate

[dik-teyt, dik-teyt, dik-teyt]

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.

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

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 Word Forms

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

Most prices are dictated by market forces that are beyond the president’s control.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

David Chapman, a spokesman for the Office of the State Attorney, Fourth Judicial Circuit, said every case is dictated by the facts, the evidence and the law.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Barkley responded that “many of those” unsubstantiated outcomes are “dictated on whether the D.A. takes the case.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

We come to realize that our rhythm is dictated by the materials themselves, by what they will respond to rather than by our willful demands.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“We will release our findings publicly as soon as they are ready. A market conduct examination is an extensive fact-based review dictated by law.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• govern 
• guide 
• impose 
• lay down 
• prescribe