dictate

//ˈdɪkteɪt//
B2Frequency Level 9Formal
Visual representation of dictate

Verb

dictateInfinitive
dictatePresent tense
dictatedPast tense
dictatedPast participle
dictatingPresent participle
dictatesThird-person singular
1

To say or read aloud words for someone else to write down or for a machine to record

She dictated the letter to her assistant.

2

To give orders or commands with authority; to prescribe or lay down authoritatively

The manager dictated how the project should be completed.

3

To control or determine something; to influence decisively

Market conditions dictate the price of goods.

Noun

1

An authoritative order, command, or principle that must be obeyed

We must follow the dictates of our conscience.