Meaning & Definition of Dictation in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: The action of writing down words that someone else speaks.

  Example Sentence: In class, we had to take dictation from the teacher.

• Definition: The process of a person expressing their thoughts aloud while someone else records them.

  Example Sentence: He took my dictation for the letter I needed to send.

• Definition: An authoritative order or command.

  Example Sentence: The dictation of the new policy was made by the CEO.

Etymology

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

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• 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.

Translations

• Spanish: dictado

• French: dictée

• German: Diktat

• Russian: диктант

Related Words

• dictate: To say or read aloud something to be written down.

• dictator: A ruler with absolute power.

• edition: A particular version of a publication.