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DICTATORIAL

 - 2 dictionary results

dic⋅ta⋅to⋅ri⋅al

[dik-tuh-tawr-ee-uhl, -tohr-]
–adjective
1. of or pertaining to a dictator or dictatorship.
2. appropriate to, or characteristic of, a dictator; absolute; unlimited: dictatorial powers in wartime.
3. inclined to dictate or command; imperious; overbearing: a dictatorial attitude.

Origin:
1695–1705; < L dictātōri(us) (equiv. to dictā(re) (see dictate ) + -tōrius -tory 1 ) + -al 1


dic⋅ta⋅to⋅ri⋅al⋅ly, adverb
dic⋅ta⋅to⋅ri⋅al⋅ness, noun


2. totalitarian. 3. despotic, tyrannical, autocratic.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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dic·ta·to·ri·al   (dĭk'tə-tôr'ē-əl, -tōr'-)   
adj.  
  1. Tending to dictate; domineering.

  2. Of, relating to, or characteristic of a dictator or dictatorship; autocratic.

dic'ta·to'ri·al·ly adv.
Synonyms: These adjectives mean asserting or tending to assert one's authority or to impose one's will on others. Dictatorial stresses the highhanded, peremptory manner characteristic of a dictator: ordered the staff about in her usual dictatorial manner.
Authoritarian implies the expectation of unquestioning obedience: the timid child of authoritarian parents.
Dogmatic suggests the imposing of one's will or opinion as though these were beyond challenge: "When people are least sure, they are often most dogmatic" (John Kenneth Galbraith).
Doctrinaire implies the imposition of one's theories, beliefs, or doctrines: "They didn't know the facts . . . and I don't think it would've mattered in the slightest if they had. Very doctrinaire" (George V. Higgins).
Imperious suggests the arrogant manner of one accustomed to commanding: dismissed my opinion with an imperious gesture.
Overbearing implies a tendency to be oppressively or rudely domineering: an overbearing customer demanding to see the manager.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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