dictate

Speech parts

1. dictate - Noun

2. dictate - Verb

Meaning

To tell or utter so that another may write down; to inspire; to compose; as, to dictate a letter to an amanuensis.

To say; to utter; to communicate authoritatively; to deliver (a command) to a subordinate; to declare with authority; to impose; as, to dictate the terms of a treaty; a general dictates orders to his troops.

To speak as a superior; to command; to impose conditions (on).

To compose literary works; to tell what shall be written or said by another.

A statement delivered with authority; an order; a command; an authoritative rule, principle, or maxim; a prescription; as, listen to the dictates of your conscience; the dictates of the gospel.

Source: Webster's dictionary

Synonyms

prescribe order command enjoin influence rule direct require demand regulate impose mandate pronounce injunction lay down
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Antonyms

allow request agree appeal prayer ask
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Hypernyms

rule read principle visit impose govern

Hyponyms

mandate tyrannize tyrannise grind down

Phrases with the word

dictate to

Derivatives

dictated dictating

Examples

The political lesson of Watergate is this: Never again must America allow an arrogant, elite guard of political adolescents to by-pass the regular party organization and dictate the terms of a national election. Gerald Ford

Illiterates have to dictate. Stanisław Jerzy Lec

No man has the right to dictate what other men should perceive, create or produce, but all should be encouraged to reveal themselves, their perceptions and emotions, and to build confidence in the creative spirit. Ansel Adams

The block of wood should not dictate to the carver. Maori Proverb

Don't let your past dictate your future. African Proverb

The block of wood should not dictate to the carver. New Zealander Proverb

Close letter words and terms

dictaphone dictaphonic dictatable dictate to dictated dictated but not read