Formal and Informal Expressions of dictate

In different contexts, you can replace 'dictate' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'prescribe, enjoin' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'boss around, call the shots' is a commonplace synonym.

dictate: Explore its Definition & Usage

dictate Definition

1to say or read something aloud for someone else to write down
2to give orders or commands that must be obeyed
3to strongly influence or determine something

Using dictate: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "dictate" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The boss dictated a letter to his secretary.
Example
The new policy was dictated by the CEO.
Example
The weather will dictate our plans for the day.

dictate Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for dictate

Antonyms for dictate

Idioms Using dictate

bend to someone's dictate
to submit to someone's orders or commands
Example
He refused to bend to his boss's dictates and quit his job.
at the dictates of someone
under the orders or commands of someone
Example
The company had to lay off employees at the dictates of the board of directors.
dictate to someone's pen
to control or influence what someone writes or says
Example
The editor tried to dictate to the writer's pen, but the writer refused to change the article.

Phrases with dictate

dictate terms
to impose one's demands or conditions on others
Example
The company was in a strong position and was able to dictate the terms of the contract.
under someone's dictate
under someone's control or authority
Example
The country was under the dictator's dictate for many years.
take dictation
to write down what someone else is saying
Example
She can take dictation at a speed of 120 words per minute.

Origins of dictate

from Latin 'dictare', meaning 'to say often'

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Summary: dictate in Brief

The verb 'dictate' [dik-teyt] means to read or say something aloud for someone else to write down, to give orders or commands that must be obeyed, or to strongly influence or determine something. It can refer to a boss dictating a letter to a secretary or the weather dictating plans for the day. Phrases like 'dictate terms' and 'under someone's dictate' denote imposing demands or being under someone's control. The idiom 'bend to someone's dictate' means to submit to someone's orders.