Meaning & Definition of word "Dictate"

Dictate

/ˈdɪk.teɪt/

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.

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.

●Late Middle English: from Latin 'dictare', frequentative of 'dicere' 'to say'.

dictate terms:

To specify the conditions under which something will happen.

to dictate to someone:

To give orders or instructions to someone.

dictation:

The action of saying words aloud to be transcribed.

dictatorial:

Of or typical of a ruler with total power.

Meaning: To take control or have the final say.

● Example Sentence: He's got the final dictate on this project.