Dictate — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb noun /ˈdik-ˌtāt/ dic·tate

Meaning & Definition of Dictate

Dictate (verb)

  1. to utter words to be transcribed, to give dictation
  2. to speak or act domineeringly, prescribe
  3. to speak or read for a person to transcribe or for a machine to record

Dictate (noun)

  1. an authoritative rule, prescription, or injunction
  2. a ruling principle
  3. a command by one in authority

Dictate (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to request the doing of by virtue of one's authority

    "dictated that the terms of surrender be negotiated by his senior staff"

    similar: call, command, decree, direct, mandate, ordain, order, call for
    related: ask, petition, request, demand, require
    near: cancel, countermand, rescind

Dictate (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a statement of what to do that must be obeyed by those concerned

    "a starchily worded dictate from on high concerning the company's dress code"

    similar: behest, charge, command, commandment, decree, direction, directive, do, edict, imperative, injunction, instruction, order, word
    related: demand, requirement, mandate, countermand, counterorder, law, precept, prescript, prescription, rule, ordinance, regulation, statute
    near: appeal, entreaty, petition, plea, urging, proposal, recommendation, suggestion

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Dictate

The most common words with a similar meaning to Dictate:

call, command, decree, direct, mandate, ordain, order, call for, behest, charge, commandment, direction, directive, do, edict, imperative, injunction, instruction, word

Related Words for Dictate

ask, petition, request, demand, require, requirement, countermand, counterorder, law, precept, prescript, prescription, rule, ordinance, regulation, statute

Near Antonyms of Dictate

cancel, countermand, rescind, appeal, entreaty, petition, plea, urging, proposal, recommendation, suggestion

Word Forms of Dictate

Inflections: dictated, dictating

Origin & Etymology of Dictate

borrowed from Latin dictātus, past participle of dictāre "to say repeatedly, speak aloud words to be transcribed by another, issue as an order," frequentative of dīcere "to talk, speak, say, utter" diction

First known use: 1577i

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Dictate

Words & Phrases Containing Dictate

dictate to

Frequently Asked Questions about Dictate

What does "Dictate" mean?

"Dictate" means to utter words to be transcribed, to give dictation. As an a verb and a noun, it is defined as: to utter words to be transcribed, to give dictation. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Dictate"?

Other words for "Dictate" include call, command, decree, direct, mandate, ordain, order and call for. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Dictate" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Dictate"?

There are 35 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Dictate". Common alternatives include call, command, decree, direct, mandate, ordain, order, call for, behest and charge.

How do you use "Dictate" in a sentence?

Examples of "Dictate" in a sentence: "dictated that the terms of surrender be negotiated by his senior staff"; "a starchily worded dictate from on high concerning the company's dress code".

Is "Dictate" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Dictate" can be used as a verb and a noun, depending on the context.

Is "Dictate" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Dictate" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Dictate"?

"Dictate" is pronounced /ˈdik-ˌtāt/ and divided into syllables as dic·tate.

What is the origin of the word "Dictate"?

"Dictate" comes from borrowed from Latin dictātus, past participle of dictāre "to say repeatedly, speak aloud words to be transcribed by another, issue as an order," frequentative of dīcere "to talk, speak, say, utter" diction. First known use: 1577i.