|
|
dic·tate
 dictate
- parts of speech:
- transitive verb, intransitive verb, noun
| part of speech: |
transitive verb |
| pronunciation: |
dIk
teIt
[or]
dIk
teIt
|
| inflections: |
dictated, dictates, dictating |
| definition 1: |
to say or read aloud (something) in order that it may be recorded or written down by someone else.
She dictated several letters to her secretary.- synonyms:
- read
|
| definition 2: |
to state or order with authoritative force; prescribe definitely.
The rulers dictated what privileges the nobility enjoyed.The owners dictate the company's policies.The fashion industry tends to dictate what women wear.Her religion dictates that she remain married.- synonyms:
- command, decree, demand, direct, impose, ordain, order, prescribe
- similar words:
- boss, determine, enjoin, instruct, set, state
|
| related words: |
bid, command, decree, direct, impose, tell, will |
|
|
| part of speech: |
intransitive verb |
| pronunciation: |
dIk
teIt
[or]
dIk
teIt
|
| definition 1: |
to speak or read aloud something in order that it may be recorded or written down by someone else.
As I was dictating, a phone call interrupted me. |
| definition 2: |
to issue orders; make demands.
Others request, but he dictates.- synonyms:
- command, decree, demand, direct, ordain, order, prescribe
- similar words:
- determine, require
|
| related words: |
bid, boss, command, decree, direct, ordain, prescribe |
|
|
| part of speech: |
noun |
| pronunciation: |
dIk
teIt
|
| definition 1: |
a command; directive.
He claims that he was only carrying out the dictates of his superiors.- synonyms:
- charge, command, demand, directive, imperative, order
- similar words:
- decree, determination, direction, edict, instruction, statement
|
| definition 2: |
(often pl.) a requirement or controlling principle.
The dictates of common sense forced him to reconsider his opinion.- synonyms:
- demand, imperative
- similar words:
- precept, principle, requirement
|
| related words: |
behest, bidding, law, mandate, word |
| derivation: |
dictatingly (adv.) |
|
|