26984 words

dictate

10 definitions • 15 examples
1
to give orders, or tell someone exactly what they must do, with total authority:

Examples:

The UN will dictate the terms of troop withdrawal from the region.
[ + question word ] He disagrees with the government dictating what children are taught in schools.
[ + that ] The rules dictate that only running shoes must be worn on the track.
2
to influence something or make it necessary:

Examples:

The party's change of policy has been dictated by its need to win back younger voters.
[ + that ] I wanted to take a year off, but my financial situation dictated that I got a job.
3
to speak something aloud for a person or machine to record what is said, so that it can be written down:

Examples:

I dictated my order over the phone.
dictate something to someone She spent the morning dictating letters to her secretary.
4
an order that should be obeyed, often one that you give to yourself:

Examples:

dictate of conscience/common sense A jury must make its decision according to the dictates of conscience/common sense and the laws of the country.
5
to give orders, or state something with total authority:

Examples:

[ + question word ] Tennis club rules dictate what kind of footwear may be worn on the courts.
6
To dictate also means to make necessary:

Examples:

The characteristics of the land dictate much of what can be built.
7
to say something aloud for another person or for a machine to record, so that your words can be prepared in writing for use in business or a legal case:

Examples:

[ T ] She spent the morning dictating letters.
8
to speak something aloud for a person or machine to record, so that what is said can be written down:

Examples:

dictate a letter/memo/reply to sb I dictated a memo to my assistant, to be sent to all staff.
9
to decide and say what will happen, usually in a forceful way:

Examples:

dictate terms/conditions At that time the trade unions were allowed to dictate terms, and nothing happened without their agreement.
dictate how/when/what, etc. The government shouldn't dictate how we run our businesses.
10
to influence something or make it necessary:

Examples:

The rise in fuel prices was dictated by the market.

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