DICTATE • DICTIONARY ONE.COM • Definition of Dictate

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/dɪktˈeɪt/ /dˈɪktˌeɪt/ Listen

verb

Dictate v. t. (past & past part. dictated; pres. part. dictating)

To tell or utter so that another may write down; to inspire; to compose; as, to dictate a letter to an amanuensis. "The mind which dictated the Iliad." "Pages dictated by the Holy Spirit."

To say; to utter; to communicate authoritatively; to deliver (a command) to a subordinate; to declare with authority; to impose; as, to dictate the terms of a treaty; a general dictates orders to his troops. "Whatsoever is dictated to us by God must be believed."

Synonyms: To suggest; prescribe; enjoin; command; point out; urge; admonish.

Dictate v. i.

To speak as a superior; to command; to impose conditions (on). "Who presumed to dictate to the sovereign."

To compose literary works; to tell what shall be written or said by another. "Sylla could not skill of letters, and therefore knew not how to dictate."

noun

Dictate n. A statement delivered with authority; an order; a command; an authoritative rule, principle, or maxim; a prescription; as, listen to the dictates of your conscience; the dictates of the gospel. "I credit what the Grecian dictates say."

Synonyms: Command; injunction; direction suggestion; impulse; admonition.

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Etymology of 'Dictate'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Dictate" Quotes from Famous Books

... determined it should be once of the spells by which she meant to attract Wallace. She took up one of the lutes (which with other musical instruments decorated the apartments of the luxurious De Valence), and touching it with exquisite delicacy, breathed the most pathetic air her memory could dictate. ...

— The Scottish Chiefs • Miss Jane Porter

... listened to with surprise, which gradually increased to indignation. In order that my readers may not be ignorant of the extent of this tyrannical prejudice, I will as briefly as possible state the evidence, and leave them to judge of it, as their hearts and consciences may dictate. ...

— An Appeal in Favor of that Class of Americans Called Africans • Lydia Maria Child

... self-government which the Constitution guaranteed. The freedmen were of course not citizens, and could, as such, take no part in these proceedings; but Lincoln recommended, without attempting to dictate, that the franchise should be extended to "the very intelligent and those who have fought ...

— A History of the United States • Cecil Chesterton

... some paper for you to spoil, Helen,' he said, 'for I foresaw how it would end. Do your best, and I will do mine in the matter of beginnings. I cannot write easily, you know, but I can suggest and dictate, when you wish it; and you have been my amanuensis for a year and more, so it will all ...

— The Continental Monthly, Volume V. Issue I • Various

... more we meet, No more our former looks repeat; Then, let me breathe this parting prayer, The dictate of my bosom's care: "May Heaven so guard my lovely quaker, That anguish never can o'ertake her; That peace and virtue ne'er forsake her, But bliss be aye her heart's partaker! Oh! may the happy mortal, fated [i] ...

— Byron's Poetical Works, Vol. 1 • Byron

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