verb
Uncommon
dictate
DIHK-tayt
Dictate (verb) means to say words aloud for someone else to write down. Example: “The executive dictated a memo to her assistant.”
verb
1
To say words aloud for someone else to write down.
"The executive dictated a memo to her assistant."
"He dictated the letter while pacing around the office."
"Could you dictate the address slowly so that I can write it down?"
2
To give orders or lay down terms with authority, often unfairly.
"The manager tried to dictate how everyone should spend their lunch break."
"No country should be able to dictate policy to another."
"You can't just dictate what your neighbours do in their own garden."
noun
1
An authoritative command or requirement.
"They followed the dictates of tradition without question."
How to use dictate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo speak so someone else writes it down, or to order people around with authority.
Common pairings
dictate a letter
dictate terms
the dictates of conscience
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Word forms
- Plural
- dictates
- Third person singular
- dictates
- Past tense
- dictated
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The executive _____ a memo to her assistant.
Etymology
From Latin dictatum, "something dictated," rooted in dico, "to say" — the same root gives us "diction" and "dictionary."
Related words
Rhymes for dictate
See all rhymes for 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."
