'Dictate' definitions:

Definition of 'dictate'

(from WordNet)
noun
An authoritative rule
noun
A guiding principle; "the dictates of reason"
verb
Issue commands or orders for [syn: order, prescribe, dictate]
verb
Say out loud for the purpose of recording; "He dictated a report to his secretary"
verb
Rule as a dictator

Definition of 'Dictate'

From: GCIDE
  • Dictate \Dic"tate\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Dictated; p. pr. & vb. n. Dictating.] [L. dictatus, p. p. of dictare, freq. of dicere to say. See Diction, and cf. Dight.]
  • 1. To tell or utter so that another may write down; to inspire; to compose; as, to dictate a letter to an amanuensis. [1913 Webster]
  • The mind which dictated the Iliad. --Wayland. [1913 Webster]
  • Pages dictated by the Holy Spirit. --Macaulay. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. 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. [1913 Webster]
  • Whatsoever is dictated to us by God must be believed. --Watts.
  • Syn: To suggest; prescribe; enjoin; command; point out; urge; admonish. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Dictate'

From: GCIDE
  • Dictate \Dic"tate\, v. i.
  • 1. To speak as a superior; to command; to impose conditions (on). [1913 Webster]
  • Who presumed to dictate to the sovereign. --Macaulay. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. To compose literary works; to tell what shall be written or said by another. [1913 Webster]
  • Sylla could not skill of letters, and therefore knew not how to dictate. --Bacon. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Dictate'

From: GCIDE
  • Dictate \Dic"tate\, n. [L. dictatum. See Dictate, v. t.] 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. [1913 Webster]
  • I credit what the Grecian dictates say. --Prior.
  • Syn: Command; injunction; direction suggestion; impulse; admonition. [1913 Webster]

Synonyms of 'dictate'

From: Moby Thesaurus

Words containing 'Dictate'