What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dictate
Example
The CEO dictated a memo to his assistant. [dictated: verb]
Example
The government dictates the policies that must be followed. [dictates: noun]
direct
Example
The tour guide directed us to the museum. [directed: verb]
Example
The director gave a direct order to the actors. [direct: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Direct is more commonly used in everyday language than dictate. Direct is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while dictate is less common and often used in more formal or specific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dictate and direct?
Both dictate and direct can be used in formal or informal contexts, but dictate is generally associated with a more formal tone due to its connotations of authority or power.
