Dictatorial: meaning, definitions and examples

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dictatorial

 

[ ˌdɪkˈtəˈtɔːrɪəl ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

politics

Of or relating to a ruler with total power over a country, typically one who has obtained control by force.

Synonyms

authoritarian, autocratic, oppressive

Examples of usage

  • The country was under dictatorial rule for over two decades.
  • The dictator's dictatorial regime oppressed the citizens.
  • The citizens lived in fear of the dictatorial government.
Context #2 | Adjective

behavior

Tending to tell people what to do in an autocratic way.

Synonyms

domineering, imperious, tyrannical

Examples of usage

  • He had a dictatorial attitude towards his employees.
  • Her dictatorial behavior alienated her colleagues.
  • The teacher's dictatorial style of teaching did not resonate with the students.

Translations

Translations of the word "dictatorial" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ditatorial

🇮🇳 तानाशाही

🇩🇪 diktatorisch

🇮🇩 diktatoris

🇺🇦 диктаторський

🇵🇱 dyktatorski

🇯🇵 独裁的 (dokusai-teki)

🇫🇷 dictatorial

🇪🇸 dictatorial

🇹🇷 diktatörce

🇰🇷 독재적인 (dokjaejeog-in)

🇸🇦 استبدادي (istibdādī)

🇨🇿 diktátorský

🇸🇰 diktátorský

🇨🇳 专制的 (zhuānzhì de)

🇸🇮 diktatorski

🇮🇸 einræðislegur

🇰🇿 диктаторлық

🇬🇪 დიქტატორული (diktatoruli)

🇦🇿 diktatorluq

🇲🇽 dictatorial

Etymology

The word 'dictatorial' originates from the noun 'dictator', which comes from the Latin word 'dictator', meaning 'a person who dictates'. In ancient Rome, a dictator was a magistrate appointed in times of emergency with extraordinary powers. Over time, the term evolved to describe a ruler with absolute power. The adjective 'dictatorial' emerged in the early 19th century to describe characteristics or behaviors associated with such rulers.

See also: dictating, dictator, dictatorship.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,455, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.