Dictate Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary (original) (raw)

Britannica Dictionary definition of DICTATE

[+ object]

1

:

to speak or read (something) to a person who writes it down or to a machine that records it

• She's dictating a letter to her secretary.

2

:

to say or state (something) with authority or power

• They insisted on being able to dictate the terms of surrender.

3

:

to make (something) necessary

• Our choice of activities will likely be dictated [=determined, _controlled_] by the weather.
• His health dictates [=_requires_] that he work at home.
• Tradition dictates that the youngest member should go first.
• The basket's function dictates its size and shape.

dictate to

[phrasal verb]

dictate to (someone)

:

to give orders to (someone)

— usually used as (be) dictated to

• I resent being dictated to by someone with half my experience.

Britannica Dictionary definition of DICTATE

1

:

an order or direction given with authority

— usually plural

• They don't allow any disagreement with the dictates of the party.

2

:

a rule or principle that guides something (such as an activity or a person's behavior)

— usually plural

• She tried to live her life according to the dictates of her conscience.
• We pay no attention to the dictates of fashion.
• the dictates of common sense