Words / B2

dik-TAYT/dɪkˈteɪt/

To dictate is to say words for someone to write, or to control what happens: dictate a letter; circumstances dictate that. A dictator is the noun for a ruler (separate headword). Prescribe is close in formal policy. Do not let the word limit dictate a thin argument. Mix-up: dictation is the classroom activity.

Meaning

To say words for someone to write; also to control what happens.

Examples

• “Do not let the word limit dictate a thin argument.”
• “She dictated the statement to a clerk, which is the speech-to-text sense.”

Good to know

dictate that / what; dictate a letter. Noun (ruler): dictator. Classroom: dictation. Close (rules): determine / prescribe. Essays: do not let X dictate Y.

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