dictate

[US]/dɪkˈteɪt/
[UK]/ˈdɪkteɪt/
Frequency: Very High

Translation

v. speak or read aloud in a loud voice; give oral instructions
vt. command; specify; instruct
n. command, regulation, requirement.

Phrases & Collocations

dictate instructions

dictate a letter

dictate terms

dictate a memo

dictate a message

dictate a report

Example Sentences

the dictates of fashion.

dictate a letter to sb.

to dictate a letter to a secretary

impose a peace settlement.See Synonyms at dictate

by fate ordained.See Synonyms at dictate

the tsar's attempts to dictate policy.

choice is often dictated by availability.

It took him a long time to dictate this letter.

a conventional morality had dictated behaviour.

the tempo of life dictated by a heavy workload.

The union leaders are trying to dictate their demands to the employer.

Convention dictates that a minister should resign in such a situation.

We're now in a position to dictate our own demands.

He dictated how everything should be done.

How fast do you dictate to your secretary?

He dictated a letter to his secretary.

He refused to be dictated to.

Real-world Examples

Take this pen, and write as I dictate.

Source: American Original Language Arts Volume 5

Talent can't dictate how you move.

Source: Celebrity Speech Compilation

I've got a long report I must dictate.

Source: CET-6 Listening Past Exam Questions (with Translations)

What music was sung henceforth would be dictated by Rome.

Source: Listening to Music (Video Version)

But the opposite end is even scarier with no freedom where every new is dictated.

Source: Science in Life

Dictate when you use them; don't let them dictate you.

Source: Tales of Imagination and Creativity

Men my age dictate this war.

Source: Dunkirk Selection

But what about times when your external circumstances dictate what authenticity means?

Source: Stanford Open Course: How to Communicate Effectively

The family into which you are born dictates your class.

Source: 6 Minute English

Which means you subscribe to will probably dictate how you feel about what happens next.

Source: Biography of Famous Historical Figures

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