C1verbsocietypolitics
US/ˈdɪk.teɪt/
UK/ˈdɪk.teɪt/
to say exactly what must be done, to control how something happens, or to read aloud for writing
In context
Parents should not dictate which career their children choose.
The weather will dictate whether we hold the wedding outdoors.
The manager dictated a short letter to her assistant.
Words that go with dictate
verb + noun
- dictate termsThe winning side will dictate terms.
- dictate a letterShe dictated a letter to her secretary.
- dictate policyBig companies should not dictate policy.
- dictate the outcomeLuck can dictate the outcome of a close match.
- dictate a messageShe dictated a message to her phone while driving.
verb + preposition
- dictate toNobody can dictate to me how to live.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
The law dictates that you to wear a helmet.Correct: The law dictates that you wear a helmet.