GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 3 definitions

1.       
   Dictate , v. t. [imp. & p. p. Dictated; p. pr. & vb. n. Dictating.] [L. dictatus, p. p. of dictare, freq. of dicere to say. See Diction, and cf. Dight.]
   To tell or utter so that another may write down; to inspire; to compose; as, to dictate a letter to an amanuensis.
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   The mind which dictated the Iliad.
   Wayland.
   
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   Pages dictated by the Holy Spirit.
   Macaulay.
   
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   To say; to utter; to communicate authoritatively; to deliver (a command) to a subordinate; to declare with authority; to impose; as, to dictate the terms of a treaty; a general dictates orders to his troops.
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   Whatsoever is dictated to us by God must be believed.
   Watts.
   Syn. -- To suggest; prescribe; enjoin; command; point out; urge; admonish.
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2.       
   Dictate, v. i.
   To speak as a superior; to command; to impose conditions (on).
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   Who presumed to dictate to the sovereign.
   Macaulay.
   
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   To compose literary works; to tell what shall be written or said by another.
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   Sylla could not skill of letters, and therefore knew not how to dictate.
   Bacon.
   
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3.       
   Dictate , n. [L. dictatum. See Dictate, v. t.] A statement delivered with authority; an order; a command; an authoritative rule, principle, or maxim; a prescription; as, listen to the dictates of your conscience; the dictates of the gospel.
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   I credit what the Grecian dictates say.
   Prior.
   Syn. -- Command; injunction; direction suggestion; impulse; admonition.
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