verb , noun
■ verb / dɪkˈteɪt; NAmE ˈdɪkteɪt/
1.
dictate (sth) (to sb) to say words for sb else to write down :
[ vn ]
He dictated a letter to his secretary.
[also v ]
2.
dictate (sth) (to sb) to tell sb what to do, especially in an annoying way :
[ vn ]
They are in no position to dictate terms (= tell other people what to do) .
[ v wh- ]
What right do they have to dictate how we live our lives?
[also v that ]
3.
to control or influence how sth happens
SYN determine :
[ vn ]
When we take our vacations is very much dictated by Greg's work schedule.
[ v wh- ]
It's generally your job that dictates where you live now.
[also v , v that ]
•
PHRASAL VERBS
- dictate to sb
■ noun
/ˈdɪkteɪt/ [ usually pl. ] ( formal ) an order or a rule that you must obey :
to follow the dictates of fashion
••
WORD ORIGIN
late 16th cent. (in sense 1): from Latin dictat- dictated, from the verb dictare .