noun
dictation
dihk-TAY-shuhn
Dictation (noun) means the act of speaking words aloud for someone to write down, or the words produced this way. Example: “The teacher gave the class a spelling dictation.”
noun
1
The act of speaking words aloud for someone to write down, or the words produced this way.
"Since I learned shorthand, I can take dictation at eighty words a minute."
"The teacher gave the class a spelling dictation."
"She took dictation for the busy lawyer all afternoon."
How to use dictation
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSpeaking words for someone else to write down, often used as a language-learning or office task.
Common pairings
take dictation
a dictation exercise
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Word forms
- Plural
- dictations
Fill the gap
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The teacher gave the class a spelling _____.
Etymology
From Late Latin dictatio, built on the same root as "dictate."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for dictation
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for dictation →
Frequently asked questions
What does “dictation” mean?
The word “dictation” means the act of speaking words aloud for someone to write down, or the words produced this way. In plain terms, speaking words for someone else to write down, often used as a language-learning or office task.
How do you pronounce “dictation”?
“Dictation” is pronounced dihk-TAY-shuhn (/dɪkˈteɪʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “dictation” in a sentence?
Here is “dictation” used in a sentence: “The teacher gave the class a spelling dictation.”
What part of speech is “dictation”?
“Dictation” is a noun.
Where does the word “dictation” come from?
The word “dictation” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin dictatio, built on the same root as "dictate.".
