Dictation

/dɪkˈteɪʃən/

Meaning & Definition

noun

The action of writing down words spoken by someone else.

The teacher asked the students to prepare for a dictation exercise.

A set of words, phrases or sentences that are dictated to someone for writing down.

She was given a dictation to help improve her spelling skills.

The authority to lay down principles or rules.

The company operated under the dictation of its founder's vision.

From the Latin 'dictationem', meaning 'the act of speaking'.

take dictation

To write down the spoken words of another.

dictation exercise

A classroom activity where students write what is heard.

on dictation

In the context of recording what someone says.

dictate

To say or read aloud something to be written down.

dictator

A ruler with absolute power.

edition

A particular version of a publication.