dictate
0 antonyms and opposites of dictate, grouped by meaning.
Verb — To say words aloud for someone else to write down.
How to use dictate
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin dictatum, "something dictated," rooted in dico, "to say" — the same root gives us "diction" and "dictionary."
Full origin of dictate →Frequently asked questions
What does “dictate” mean?
The word “dictate” means to say words aloud for someone else to write down. In plain terms, to speak so someone else writes it down, or to order people around with authority.
How do you pronounce “dictate”?
“Dictate” is pronounced DIHK-tayt (/ˈdɪkˌteɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “dictate” in a sentence?
Here is “dictate” used in a sentence: “The executive dictated a memo to her assistant.”
What part of speech is “dictate”?
Depending on how it is used, “dictate” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “dictate” come from?
The word “dictate” comes from Latin. From Latin dictatum, "something dictated," rooted in dico, "to say" — the same root gives us "diction" and "dictionary.".
Is “dictate” a common word?
“Dictate” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “dictate” have?
“Dictate” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to say words aloud for someone else to write down.
What is the difference between "dictate" meaning to speak aloud and "dictate" meaning to give orders?
When "dictate" means to speak words aloud for someone else to write down, it describes a neutral, practical act, such as dictating a letter to an assistant. When it means to give orders or lay down terms with authority, it often carries a negative connotation of unfair or heavy-handed control, as in "dictating terms" to another party.
Is "dictate" always used negatively?
No, "dictate" is only negative when it refers to giving orders with unfair authority, such as one country dictating terms to another. The sense meaning to speak aloud for transcription, like dictating a memo, is neutral and carries no negative implication.
What is the difference between the verb "dictate" and the noun "dictate"?
As a verb, "dictate" describes the action of speaking for someone to transcribe or of imposing authoritative orders. As a noun, "dictate" refers to the resulting authoritative command or requirement itself, as in "the dictates of fashion" or "the dictates of conscience."