dictate
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.1dic·tate
verb \ˈdik-ˌtāt, dik-ˈ\dic·tat·eddic·tat·ing
Definition of DICTATE
intransitive verb
1
: to give dictation
2
: to speak or act domineeringly : prescribe
transitive verb
1
: to speak or read for a person to transcribe or for a machine to record
2
a : to issue as an order b : to impose, pronounce, or specify authoritatively c : to require or determine necessarily <injuries dictated the choice of players>
See Examples of DICTATE
- She's dictating a letter to her secretary.
- They insisted on being able to dictate the terms of surrender.
- Tradition dictates that the youngest member should go first.
- The basket's function dictates its size and shape.
Origin of DICTATE
Latin dictatus, past participle of dictare to assert, dictate, frequentative of dicere to say — more at diction
First Known Use: 1581
Rhymes with DICTATE
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2dic·tate
noun \ˈdik-ˌtāt\Definition of DICTATE
1
a : an authoritative rule, prescription, or injunction b : a ruling principle <according to the dictates of your conscience>
2
: a command by one in authority
Examples of DICTATE
- <a starchily worded dictate from on high concerning the company's dress code>
First Known Use of DICTATE
1594
Related to DICTATE
- Synonyms
- behest, charge, commandment, decree, command, direction, directive, do, edict, imperative, injunction, instruction, order, word
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All Words Near: dictate
Previous Word in the Dictionary: dictaphonic
All Words Near: dictate
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