DICTATE • FREE TRANSLATOR.ORG • Definition of Dictate

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/dɪktˈeɪt/ /dˈɪktˌeɪt/ Listen

verb

Dictate v. t. (past & past part. dictated; pres. part. dictating)

To tell or utter so that another may write down; to inspire; to compose; as, to dictate a letter to an amanuensis. "The mind which dictated the Iliad." "Pages dictated by the Holy Spirit."

To say; to utter; to communicate authoritatively; to deliver (a command) to a subordinate; to declare with authority; to impose; as, to dictate the terms of a treaty; a general dictates orders to his troops. "Whatsoever is dictated to us by God must be believed."

Synonyms: To suggest; prescribe; enjoin; command; point out; urge; admonish.

Dictate v. i.

To speak as a superior; to command; to impose conditions (on). "Who presumed to dictate to the sovereign."

To compose literary works; to tell what shall be written or said by another. "Sylla could not skill of letters, and therefore knew not how to dictate."

noun

Dictate n. A statement delivered with authority; an order; a command; an authoritative rule, principle, or maxim; a prescription; as, listen to the dictates of your conscience; the dictates of the gospel. "I credit what the Grecian dictates say."

Synonyms: Command; injunction; direction suggestion; impulse; admonition.

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Etymology of 'Dictate'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Dictate" Quotes from Famous Books

... constantly shown me his heart has invariably held to those first feelings which, before our union, determined him upon settling in England. O! if you knew how he has been assailed, by temptations of every sort that either ambition, or interest, or friendship could dictate, to change his plan,-and how his heart sometimes yearns towards those he yet can love in his native soil, while his firmness still remains unshaken,— you would not wonder I make light of even extravagance in a point that ...

— The Diary and Letters of Madame D'Arblay Volume 3 • Madame D'Arblay

... The world is not looking for a master; the day of the despot is gone. The future will be gloomy indeed if the smaller nations must pass under the yoke of any power or combination of powers. The question is not who shall dictate on land, or who shall dominate upon the sea. These questions are not practical ones. The real question is, not how a few can lay burdens upon the rest, but how all can work together ...

— New York Times Current History; The European War, Vol 2, No. 4, July, 1915 - April-September, 1915 • Various

... their part walked rapidly away, looking round from time to time, and keeping their ears open. They were very much mortified at having been forced to let a mere boor dictate to them, and anxious, especially de Jars, as to the ...

— CELEBRATED CRIMES, COMPLETE - LA CONSTANTIN--1660 • ALEXANDRE DUMAS, PERE

... my father were to MacVittie and MacFin the laws of the Medes and Persians, not to be altered, innovated, or even discussed; and the punctilios exacted by Owen in their business transactions, for he was a great lover of form, more especially when he could dictate it ex cathedra, seemed scarce less sanctimonious in their eyes. This tone of deep and respectful observance went all currently down with Owen; but my father looked a little closer into men's bosoms, and whether suspicious of ...

— Rob Roy, Complete, Illustrated • Sir Walter Scott

... one," said Belinda, pressing her hand, with all the tenderness which humanity could dictate, "who will never leave you at the mercy of an insolent waiting-woman—trust ...

— Tales and Novels, Vol. III - Belinda • Maria Edgeworth

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