English · Word Candidate

dictate

/ˈdɪkˌteɪt/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: dictates · dictating · dictated

Sense 1

Meaning · English

An order or command.

Noun

I must obey the dictates of my conscience.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

To order, command, control.

Verb

Etiquette dictates that wedding invitations should be acknowledged in writing.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

To speak in order for someone to write down the words.

Verb

She is dictating a letter to a stenographer.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

What does “dictate” mean?

An order or command.

Is “dictate” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.