Definition of dictate Dictate

/dɪktejˈt/ - [dikteyt] - dic•tate

We found 19 definitions of dictate from 6 different sources.

What does dictate mean?

Noun Plural: dictates
dictate - an authoritative rule
		prescript, rule measuring stick consisting of a strip of wood or metal or plastic with a straight edge that is used for drawing straight lines and measuring lengths
dictate - a guiding principle; "the dictates of reason"
		principle a basic truth or law or assumption; "the principles of democracy"
Verb dictates, dictating, dictated
dictate - rule as a dictator
		govern, rule direct or strongly influence the behavior of; "His belief in God governs his conduct"
		grind down, tyrannise, tyrannize rule or exercise power over (somebody) in a cruel and autocratic manner; "her husband and mother-in-law tyrannize her"
dictate - say out loud for the purpose of recording; "He dictated a report to his secretary"
		read to hear and understand; "I read you loud and clear!"
dictate - issue commands or orders for
		order, prescribe
		inflict, impose, bring down, visit impose something unpleasant; "The principal visited his rage on the students"
		mandate assign authority to

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dictate (v. t.)
To tell or utter so that another may write down; to inspire; to compose; as, to dictate a letter to an amanuensis.
dictate (v. t.)
To say; to utter; to communicate authoritatively; to deliver (a command) to a subordinate; to declare with authority; to impose; as, to dictate the terms of a treaty; a general dictates orders to his troops.
dictate (v. i.)
To speak as a superior; to command; to impose conditions (on).
dictate (v. i.)
To compose literary works; to tell what shall be written or said by another.
dictate (v. t.)
A statement delivered with authority; an order; a command; an authoritative rule, principle, or maxim; a prescription; as, listen to the dictates of your conscience; the dictates of the gospel.

dictate
To express as instruction to be executed by the receiver, in accordance with an authority acknowledged by him.
dictate
An authoritative rule.
dictate
To say aloud to be recorded or written by another.
dictate
To state officially or with authority

dictate
dik′tāt, v.t. to tell another what to say or write: to communicate with authority: to point out: to command—(arch. Dict).—n. an order, rule, or direction: impulse.—ns. Dictā′tion, act, art, or practice of dictating: overbearing command; Dictā′tor, one invested for a time with absolute authority—originally an extraordinary Roman magistrate:—fem. Dictā′tress, Dictātrix.—adj. Dictatō′rial, like a dictator: absolute: authoritative.—adv. Dictatō′rially.—ns. Dictā′torship, Dic′tature.—adj. Dic′tatory. [L. dictāre, -ātum—dicĕre, to say.]