What is the antonym of โdictateโ?
The antonyms of dictate are follow, obey, and yield. These words imply a different approach to authority, where dictate means to give orders or commands, while the antonyms suggest compliance or submission to those orders.
Brief Definitions of the Antonym(s)
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
follow
To go or come after a person or thing that precedes, as in a course of action.
Example
The students were asked to follow the instructions on the board.
obey
To comply with or carry out the commands, orders, or instructions of someone in authority.
Example
The soldiers were trained to obey their commanding officer without question.
yield
To give way to pressure or force; to submit to the authority or control of another.
Example
The driver had to yield to the traffic signal before making a turn.
How are these antonyms different from each other?
- 1Follow implies going along with someone or something, often voluntarily.
- 2Obey suggests a more formal or structured relationship, where one party has authority over the other.
- 3Yield conveys a sense of giving in or submitting to a stronger force or authority.
Good things to know
- 1Instructive Settings: Use follow to instruct someone to adhere to a set of guidelines or procedures.
- 2Formal Settings: Use obey to describe compliance with rules or regulations in formal settings such as schools, workplaces, or military organizations.
- 3Traffic and Safety: Use yield to describe giving way to other vehicles or pedestrians in traffic or safety situations.
Remember this!
The antonyms of dictate suggest compliance or submission to authority. Follow implies voluntary adherence, obey suggests a formal relationship, and yield conveys giving in to a stronger force. Use these words in instructive, formal, or traffic and safety settings to convey different nuances of compliance.
