Definition

1. Noun:
   • The act of speaking words for someone else to write down: The process of saying words aloud so that another person or a machine can record them in written form.
   • The words that are spoken to be written down: The text or matter that is dictated.
   • The exercise of writing down words spoken aloud: A test or practice in which a person writes down words read aloud to assess spelling, writing, or listening skills.
   • The act of giving authoritative orders or commands: The exercise of authority in prescribing something to be done or followed.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The secretary took dictation from the manager. (The secretary wrote down the words the manager spoke.)
  • Please submit your dictation of the letter by noon. (Please submit the text you spoke for the letter to be typed.)
  • We have a French dictation test every Friday. (We have a test every Friday where we write down spoken French words.)
  • The country refused to accept foreign dictation of its policies. (The country refused to accept foreign commands about its policies.)

Advanced Usage

• "to take dictation": To write down what someone else is saying.
  • Her job involves taking dictation during meetings.
• "at someone's dictation": Under someone's command or according to their spoken words.
  • The document was prepared at the lawyer's dictation.
• "shorthand dictation": Dictation intended to be transcribed using a shorthand writing system.
  • The court reporter is skilled in taking shorthand dictation.

Variants and Related Words

• Dictate (verb/noun): To say words aloud for transcription; an authoritative command.
  • The CEO will dictate the memo. (verb)
  • The board's dictate was final. (noun)
• Dictator (noun): A ruler with total power; a person who dictates.
• Dictatorial (adjective): Characteristic of a dictator; overbearing.

Synonyms

• Transcription: The action of transcribing something, especially a spoken text.
• Command: An authoritative order.
• Decree: An official order issued by a legal authority.
• Ordinance: An authoritative order.

Related Phrases

• Phrasal verb: Dictate to: To give orders to someone in an authoritative or domineering way.
  • He refuses to be dictated to by his superiors.
• Under dictation: While listening to and writing down spoken words.
  • The students wrote the passage under dictation.

Related Idioms

• "Write at someone's dictation": To write exactly what someone says, implying obedience.
  • The assistant was merely writing at her boss's dictation, not offering any input.
• "Do something at someone's dictation": To do something because one is commanded to, not by choice.
  • The company acted at the dictation of the regulatory body.

Noun

1. matter that has been dictated and transcribed; a dictated passage
   • he signed and mailed his dictation without bothering to read it
2. speech intended for reproduction in writing
3. an authoritative direction or instruction to do something