dictate
verb (used with object)
to say or read (something) aloud for another person to transcribe or for a machine to record.
was dictating
-
past progressiveof dictate.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
“It just seemed like he was dictating counts all day long,” Roberts said, “versus trying to be too fine, getting behind.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 19, 2026
Some administration officials were frustrated that the company was dictating how its technology could be used, including for legal activities, they said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 29, 2026
“He was dictating counts. He was staying away from mistakes and really in control of the game,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said.
From Washington Times ● Jun. 1, 2023
“I was moving well, I was dictating well. I combined everything, including my defense, the transition to offense. I was serving well, I was very calm in important moments, and it paid off.”
From Seattle Times ● Nov. 2, 2022
Some time later, when I was more experienced at the firm, I was dictating some information to a white secretary when a white client whom she knew came into the office.
From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela
