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dictate
[ verb dik-teyt, dik-teyt; noun dik-teyt ]
verb (used with object)
- to say or read (something) aloud for another person to transcribe or for a machine to record:
to dictate some letters to a secretary.
- to prescribe or lay down authoritatively or peremptorily; command unconditionally:
to dictate peace terms to a conquered enemy.
verb (used without object)
- to say or read aloud something to be written down by a person or recorded by a machine.
- to give orders.
noun
- an authoritative order or command.
- a guiding or governing principle, requirement, etc.:
to follow the dictates of one's conscience.
Synonyms: bidding
dictate
verb
- to say (messages, letters, speeches, etc) aloud for mechanical recording or verbatim transcription by another person
- tr to prescribe (commands) authoritatively
- intr to act in a tyrannical manner; seek to impose one's will on others
noun
- an authoritative command
- a guiding principle or rule
the dictates of reason
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Other Words From
- dictat·ing·ly adverb
- mis·dictat·ed adjective
- pre·dictate verb (used with object) predictated predictating
- re·dictate verb redictated redictating
- un·dictat·ed adjective
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Word History and Origins
Origin of dictate1
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Word History and Origins
Origin of dictate1
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Example Sentences
Audiophiles often lean toward passive speakers because they allow the users to try out different amplifiers and DACs and to upgrade components as their taste or budget dictates, all while keeping the same speakers.
The desire for retribution is understandable when someone has taken an innocent life, but ought, in a civilized society, to be constrained by dictates of justice and mercy, even when the criminal himself has acted inhumanely.
Moral clarity would dictate that civil-rights and other civic leaders would speak out against such a senseless act of violence.
Neither trusts the other, yet cultural norms dictate that everyone remain cordial.
So, in short, everyone knows Leung is a mere puppet with zero power and will read out whatever the communists dictate to him.
Because the federal government really should dictate all that, right?
How could I forget his dictate to always be proud to be a Jew, even in circumstances when it might not seem to ones advantage?
Even the purest selfishness would dictate a policy of social insurance.
Do not let scandal or a mere love of gossip dictate a letter of intelligence.
It is not the desire to deceive, but the desire to please, which will dictate such a course.
France would never again send a Barillon to dictate to the cabinet of England.
It was disputed among the Mussulmans whether it was eternal or God had created it in order to dictate it to Mahomet.
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