dictate
[verb]
Synonyms:
- speak, read out, say, utter
- order, command, decree, demand, direct, impose, lay down the law, pronounce
[noun]
Synonyms:
- command, decree, demand, direction, edict, fiat, injunction, order
- principle, code, law, rule

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Related Words: control, direct, manage, guide, lead, govern, rule, say, tell, utter, bid, charge, command, enjoin, instruct, order

[TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲

I. dic‧tate¹ /dɪkˈteɪt $ ˈdɪkteɪt/ verb
[Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: dictare 'to say often, say firmly', from dicere 'to say']

1. [intransitive and transitive] to say words for someone else to write down
dictate a letter/memo etc to somebody
She’s dictating a letter to her secretary right now.

2. [intransitive and transitive] to tell someone exactly what they must do or how they must behave
dictate to
The media cannot be allowed to dictate to the government.
dictate who/what/how etc
Can they dictate how the money will be spent?
Federal funds have to be used as dictated by Washington.
dictate that
Islamic custom dictates that women should be fully covered.
The US government attempted to dictate the terms of the agreement.

3. [transitive] to control or influence something Synonym : determine
dictate what/how etc
Funds dictate what we can do.
dictate that
The laws of physics dictate that what goes up must come down.
The massive publicity dictated a response from the city government.

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

II. dic‧tate² /ˈdɪkteɪt/ noun [countable]
an order, rule, or principle that you have to obey
dictate of
teenagers following the dictates of fashion

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

dictate

common sense dictates something
Common sense dictates that you should avoid too much sun.
circumstances dictate something
Circumstances dictated that I had to wait nearly two years.
custom/tradition dictates something
On the island, custom still dictates the roles of men and women.
fashion dictates something
Fashion has been dictating that women should wear black for years now.
logic dictates something
Logic dictates that this must be the right answer.
laws/rules dictate something
Federal laws dictate how land can be used.

[TahlilGaran] Collocations Dictionary ▲