dictate
Definitions
To say words aloud for someone to write down or record
口授，口述
To give orders with authority; to control or determine something
命令，发号施令；支配，决定
An authoritative command or guiding principle (often plural: the dictates of)
指令，命令；（常作复数）支配性的要求
Root Breakdown
Root-deriveddict (say) + -ate (do) = 'to do the saying.' One branch stays literal — say words for someone to write down (dictate a letter). The other turns authoritative — when your saying must be obeyed, you dictate terms. Both share the image of words that others must take down or take orders from.
Root dic still carries 82 more wordsWhy It Means This
Watch the stress shift in noun vs verb usage and the two senses split cleanly: to dictate a letter is to speak for transcription; to dictate to someone is to boss them around. The link is authority — in both, your words are meant to be received exactly as given, with no negotiation.
Example Sentences
- 1.
She dictated the letter while her assistant typed it out.
- 2.
You can't dictate how other people should live their lives.
- 3.
Market demand often dictates the final price of a product.
- 4.
We must follow the dictates of our conscience.