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dictate

[dik-teyt]

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

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

  • 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.

  • 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.

How do native speakers use this expression?