Dictating: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when giving exact rules or directions in a non-negotiable way, often with a sense of authority or without considering others' opinions.

• The manager was dictating the terms of the contract without any input from the team.
• She spent hours dictating the letters to her assistant.

Implies exercising strong authority or control, often used in a military or formal scenario. It can also convey a sense of respect or admiration.

• The general was commanding his troops with unwavering confidence.
• Her commanding presence during the meeting impressed everyone.

Typically used to describe giving explicit directives, often in a more casual or everyday scenario but can also have a negative connotation of imposing one's will.

• He was ordering a coffee at the cafe.
• The boss was ordering everyone around, and it was clear people were getting frustrated.

Commonly used when teaching or providing guidance on how to do something, often in an educational or tutorial setting.

• The professor was instructing the students on how to conduct the experiment.
• She was instructing her son on the proper way to tie a tie.

Used in situations where someone is giving orders forcefully and not allowing for discussion or input. Often has a negative connotation as it implies an authoritarian approach.

• The manager was dictating terms without listening to the team's feedback.
• She felt like he was dictating her every move in the project.

Used when someone is providing clear and authoritative instructions or leadership, but it does not necessarily carry a negative connotation. Useful in organized, structured tasks.

• The director was directing the actors on the set.
• He is good at directing complex projects to successful completion.

Used when offering advice, support, or instruction in a more gentle and supportive manner. It implies helping someone find their own way rather than telling them what to do.

• The counselor was guiding the student through the college application process.
• He spent years guiding young athletes towards their career goals.

Used in the context of overseeing and coordinating activities, people, or resources. It implies a broader scope of responsibilities and a balanced approach to leadership.

• She is managing a team of ten people in the marketing department.
• He excels at managing complex supply chains efficiently.

Used when someone is speaking aloud for someone else to write down or record, often in a formal setting or with a sense of authority.

• She spent the afternoon dictating the letter to her assistant.
• The doctor was dictating medical notes into his voice recorder.

Refers to the process of converting spoken words into written text, typically used in formal or professional settings such as legal, medical, or academic fields.

• The transcription of the interview took several hours.
• He specializes in medical transcription, converting doctors' spoken notes into written records.

Involves capturing audio or video data for later playback, usually to ensure accuracy or for detailed review.

• She was recording the lecture to review it later.
• They were recording their podcast episode in the studio.

Works best in informal settings when a person writes down key points or observations, often during meetings, lectures, or while studying.

• Effective note-taking can help students remember information better.
• He was busy note-taking during the conference to capture all the important details.