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| dic·tate [ dík tàyt ] |
verb (past and past participle dic·tat·ed, present participle dic·tat·ing, 3rd person present singular dic·tates) |
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| Definition: |
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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
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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
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3. transitive verb control something: to have control over something
(
usually passive
)
The decision to go will be dictated by the weather conditions.
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noun (plural dic·tates) |
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| Definition: |
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1. command given: an order telling people what they must do
dictates received from their superiors
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2. governing principle: a rule or principle that governs how people behave
the dictates of fashion
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| [Late 16th century. < Latin dictat-, past participle of dictare "say often" < dicere "to say"] |
