Dictate

Definition of Dictate

Dic´tate

v. t.	1.	To tell or utter so that another may write down; to inspire; to compose; as, to dictate a letter to an amanuensis. [imp. & p. p. Dictated; p. pr. & vb. n. Dictating.] The mind which dictated the Iliad. - Wayland. Pages dictated by the Holy Spirit. - Macaulay.
	2.	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. Whatsoever is dictated to us by God must be believed. - Watts.
v. i.	1.	To speak as a superior; to command; to impose conditions (on). Who presumed to dictate to the sovereign. - Macaulay.
	2.	To compose literary works; to tell what shall be written or said by another. Sylla could not skill of letters, and therefore knew not how to dictate. - Bacon.
n.	1.	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. I credit what the Grecian dictates say. - Prior.

Related Words

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Dicrotal
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Dicta
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