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dictate - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'dictate' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Dictate [ v. i.]
- To speak as a superior; to command; to impose conditions (on).
- To compose literary works; to tell what shall be written or said by another.
2 . 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.
- 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.
- 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.

Meaning of 'dictate' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . dictate [ n]
Meaning (1):
- a guiding principle
Example in sentence:
  • the dictates of reason
2 . dictate [ v]
Meaning (2):
- say out loud for the purpose of recording
Example in sentence:
  • He dictated a report to his secretary

Nearby Words:

dicacious dicacity dicalcic dicarbonic dicast dicastery dice dicebox diced dicentra

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