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dictate

dic·tate

dictate

 
 
parts of speech:
transitive verb, intransitive verb, noun
features:
Word Combinations (verb, noun), Word Parts
part of speech: transitive verb
pronunciation: dIk teIt [or] dIk teIt
inflections: dictates, dictating, dictated
definition 1: 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
definition 2: to say or read aloud (something) in order that it may be recorded or written down by someone else.
Before the advent of word processing, it was common to dictate one's business letters to a secretary.
synonyms:
read
 
part of speech: intransitive verb
pronunciation: dIk teIt [or] dIk teIt
definition 1: to issue orders; make demands.
Others make polite requests, but he just dictates.
synonyms:
command, decree, demand, direct, ordain, order, prescribe
similar words:
determine, require
definition 2: 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.
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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
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derivation: dictatingly (adv.)
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