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dictate

dic·tate [ dík tàyt ]


verb  (past and past participle dic·tat·ed, present participle dic·tat·ing, 3rd person present singular dic·tates)
Definition:
 
1. transitive and intransitive verb speak aloud words to be written: to speak the words of a text or letter to be written, either to somebody writing it down as it is spoken, or into a tape recorder for later transcription

2. transitive and intransitive verb rule or control other people: to rule over or make decisions for others with absolute authority, or attempt to do so
dictates their every move

3. transitive verb control something: to have control over something ( usually passive )
The decision to go will be dictated by the weather conditions.



noun  (plural dic·tates)
Definition:
 
1. command given: an order telling people what they must do
dictates received from their superiors

2. governing principle: a rule or principle that governs how people behave
the dictates of fashion

[Late 16th century. < Latin dictat-, past participle of dictare "say often" < dicere "to say"]
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