Dictate to
verb
To give orders or instructions forcefully.
The boss loves to dictate to his employees about the work they should do.
Often appears as...
- dictate to someone
- dictate to employees
Usage tips
Disapproving
verb
To say or read something to a person who writes it down.
He dictated a letter to his secretary.
Often appears as...
- dictate a letter
- dictate notes
verb
To determine or influence something.
The weather will dictate to our plans for the weekend.
Often appears as...
- dictate to plans
- dictate to future
verb
To give orders or instructions forcefully.
The boss loves to dictate to his employees about the work they should do.
Often appears as...
- dictate to someone
- dictate to employees
Usage tips
Disapproving
verb
To say or read something to a person who writes it down.
He dictated a letter to his secretary.
Often appears as...
- dictate a letter
- dictate notes
verb
To determine or influence something.
The weather will dictate to our plans for the weekend.
Often appears as...
- dictate to plans
- dictate to future
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Asserting Dominance
Use 'dictate to' when showing someone's in control or power over others, often suggesting lack of freedom or choice for those being directed.
The monarch would dictate to his courtiers every aspect of the court's etiquette.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Implication
'Dictate to' can imply the speaker is being too controlling or authoritarian, which might be seen negatively.
Employees dislike how the new manager dictates to them all the time.
Pro Tip 3/3Hierarchy Implied
It suggests a hierarchy where the person dictating is at a higher level than those being dictated to.
The general would often dictate to his soldiers the strategies for the upcoming battles.
Pro Tip 1/3Asserting Dominance
Use 'dictate to' when showing someone's in control or power over others, often suggesting lack of freedom or choice for those being directed.
The monarch would dictate to his courtiers every aspect of the court's etiquette.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Implication
'Dictate to' can imply the speaker is being too controlling or authoritarian, which might be seen negatively.
Employees dislike how the new manager dictates to them all the time.
Pro Tip 3/3Hierarchy Implied
It suggests a hierarchy where the person dictating is at a higher level than those being dictated to.
The general would often dictate to his soldiers the strategies for the upcoming battles.
Pro Tip 1/3Asserting Dominance
Use 'dictate to' when showing someone's in control or power over others, often suggesting lack of freedom or choice for those being directed.
The monarch would dictate to his courtiers every aspect of the court's etiquette.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Implication
'Dictate to' can imply the speaker is being too controlling or authoritarian, which might be seen negatively.
Employees dislike how the new manager dictates to them all the time.
Pro Tip 3/3Hierarchy Implied
It suggests a hierarchy where the person dictating is at a higher level than those being dictated to.
The general would often dictate to his soldiers the strategies for the upcoming battles.
Never forget "Dictate to"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension