The verb is pronounced /dɪkteɪt, AM dɪkteɪt/. The noun is pronounced /dɪkteɪt/.
( dictated)
1.
If you dictate something, you say or read it aloud for someone else to write down.
Sheldon writes every day of the week, dictating his novels in the morning...
VERB : V n
2.
If someone dictates to someone else, they tell them what they should do or can do.
What right has one country to dictate the environmental standards of another?...
He cannot be allowed to dictate what can and cannot be inspected...
What gives them the right to dictate to us what we should eat?...
The officers were more or less able to dictate terms to successive governments...
VERB : V n , V wh , V to n wh , V n to n
3.
If one thing dictates another, the first thing causes or influences the second thing.
The film’s budget dictated a tough schedule...
Of course, a number of factors will dictate how long an apple tree can survive...
Circumstances dictated that they played a defensive rather than attacking game.
VERB : V n , V wh , V that
4.
You say that reason or common sense dictates that a particular thing is the case when you believe strongly that it is the case and that reason or common sense will cause other people to agree.
Commonsense now dictates that it would be wise to sell a few shares.
VERB : V that
5.
A dictate is an order which you have to obey.
Their job is to ensure that the dictates of the Party are followed.
N-COUNT : usu with supp , oft N of n
6.
Dictates are principles or rules which you consider to be extremely important.
We have followed the dictates of our consciences and have done our duty.
N-COUNT : usu pl , with supp , usu N of n