Words / B2

dik-TAYT-uh/dɪkˈteɪtə/

A dictator is a ruler with total power, usually by force: a military dictator; a dictatorship (system). Dictate is the related verb (orders / speaking). Authoritarian is wider. Documentaries on how a dictator shut papers. Do not call a strict teacher a dictator in a serious paper.

Meaning

A ruler with total power, usually taken and kept by force.

Examples

• “The documentary traced how the dictator shut independent papers.”
• “Dictate a letter is the office verb, not the same as dictator, which is the person.”

Good to know

a dictator; under a dictator. System: dictatorship. Verb: dictate. Wider: authoritarian. History and foreign news. Metaphor is informal.

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