dictate

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.

“Dictate” is pronounced DIHK-tayt (/ˈdɪkˌteɪt/ in IPA).

Here is “dictate” used in a sentence: “The executive dictated a memo to her assistant.”

Depending on how it is used, “dictate” can be a verb and a noun.

The word “dictate” comes from Latin. From Latin dictatum, "something dictated," rooted in dico, "to say" — the same root gives us "diction" and "dictionary.".

“Dictate” is an uncommon word in modern English.

“Dictate” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to say words aloud for someone else to write down.

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.

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.

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."