Dictate: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone is giving instructions or laying down rules very firmly. It often implies control over others.

• The teacher began to dictate the rules of the assignment.
• The manager dictated the terms of the contract.

Appropriate in situations where authority or power is exercised, especially in military or hierarchical settings.

• The general commanded the troops to advance.
• She has the ability to command respect from her team.

Best used in formal or authoritative situations where someone is giving instructions that must be followed. It can have a more forceful or authoritative tone.

• The boss ordered everyone to attend the meeting.
• The judge ordered the defendant to pay a fine.

Useful when someone is leading or guiding others, often in a helpful way or offering instructions.

• The traffic officer directed the cars through the busy intersection.
• He directed the new employee to the HR department.

Used when you want to convey authority by giving orders or imposing conditions.

• The principal decided to dictate new rules for the school
• She tried to dictate how everyone should behave

Used in medical or authoritative contexts to recommend a specific course of action or treatment.

• The doctor will prescribe medication for the patient's condition
• The coach prescribed a new diet and workout plan for the team

Used in formal settings to indicate that something is officially required by authority.

• The government will mandate new safety regulations for factories
• The company has a mandate to reduce its carbon footprint

Used when providing detailed information or teaching someone how to do something.

• He will instruct the class on how to solve the math problem
• The manual instructs users on how to assemble the furniture

Used when indicating giving orders or laying down rules with authority. It often implies a top-down, controlling approach and can have a negative connotation if used in situations where the authority is overbearing.

• The manager dictated the new schedule to the employees
• The principal's rules seemed to dictate every aspect of the students' behavior

Appropriate when showing the act of making a decision or coming to a conclusion after considering all the details. It carries a neutral or positive connotation and suggests a thoughtful process.

• The jury will determine the verdict based on the evidence presented
• We need to determine the best course of action for the project

Used when referring to the act of ruling or controlling a state, organization, or people. It can also apply to abstract rules or principles that control how something is done. It generally carries a formal tone.

• The new policies will govern how we operate within the company
• Ancient laws governed the behavior of the Roman citizens

Most suitable in situations that involve controlling or maintaining something according to rules or laws. This word often appears in a formal, legal, or technical context.

• The government aims to regulate emissions from factories
• There are strict rules that regulate the safety standards in construction