What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dictate
Example
The boss will dictate the new company policies to the employees. [dictate: verb]
Example
The dictator had complete control over the country and its citizens. [dictator: noun]
Example
She dictated the letter to her assistant who typed it up. [dictated: past tense]
prescribe
Example
The doctor prescribed antibiotics for the patient's infection. [prescribed: past tense]
Example
The therapist prescribed daily exercise and meditation for stress relief. [prescribe: verb]
Example
The company policy prescribes that all employees must wear business attire. [prescribes: present tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Prescribe is more commonly used than dictate in everyday language. Prescribe is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while dictate is less common and refers to a more specific type of guidance or direction.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dictate and prescribe?
Both dictate and prescribe can be used in professional or formal settings, but prescribe is generally considered more formal and appropriate for medical or legal contexts.
