Meaning & Definition of word "Dictate"
to
Dictate
/ˈdɪk.teɪt/
noun:
- 1. An authoritative order or command.
- Example: The general issued a dictate that all troops must report by dawn.
- 2. A guiding principle or requirement.
- Example: The dictate of fairness guided their decision-making process.
verb:
- 1. To say or read (something) aloud for another person to transcribe or to make a recording of.
- Example: The manager decided to dictate a memo for the assistant to type up.
- 2. To prescribe or lay down authoritatively; to determine with authority.
- Example: The terms of the contract will dictate how the project will proceed.
- 3. To control or influence something in a significant way.
- Example: Economic conditions can dictate the success of a business.
Etymology
Late Middle English: from Latin 'dictare', frequentative of 'dicere' 'to say'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
dictate terms:
To specify the conditions under which something will happen.
to dictate to someone:
To give orders or instructions to someone.
Related Words
dictation:
The action of saying words aloud to be transcribed.
dictatorial:
Of or typical of a ruler with total power.
Slang Meanings of dictate
Meaning: To take control or have the final say.
Example Sentence: He's got the final dictate on this project.