from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Dictate \Dic"tate\, 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}.]
1. 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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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.
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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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