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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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dictatorial

Used to describe someone who behaves like a dictator, often in a negative sense, suggesting a disregard for others' opinions or welfare. It implies absolute authority and often a lack of democracy.

  • The manager's dictatorial style caused many employees to leave the company
  • His dictatorial approach stifled creativity and innovation
authoritarian

Refers to a system or individual that prioritizes obedience to authority at the expense of personal freedom. It is often used in political contexts to describe governments or leaders who enforce strict control.

  • The country has been under authoritarian rule for decades
  • An authoritarian parent might not allow any deviation from their rules
autocratic

Describes a leadership style where one person holds absolute power and makes decisions without wider consultation. While similar to dictatorial, it can sometimes be used in a less negative context, simply to describe centralized control.

  • The company's CEO has an autocratic leadership style, making all major decisions alone
  • An autocratic ruler might impose laws without consulting advisors
oppressive

Usually carries a strong negative connotation, indicating harsh and unjust treatment. It can refer to actions or policies that weigh heavily on people's lives, making them feel burdened and confined.

  • The oppressive regime banned all forms of dissent
  • Working in such an oppressive atmosphere was almost unbearable

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dictatorial

Use this term when describing someone who exhibits authoritarian traits, often making unilateral decisions without considering others' opinions.

  • Her dictatorial management style left her team feeling undervalued
domineering

Best suited for describing someone who exerts control over others in a forceful and often overbearing manner.

  • His domineering attitude made it difficult for anyone else to have a say in the meeting
tyrannical

Appropriate for describing a person who uses power and authority in a cruel and oppressive manner. This term has a very negative connotation.

  • The tyrannical ruler imposed harsh restrictions on the freedoms of his citizens
imperious

Use this word to describe someone who is arrogantly commanding and expects unquestioning obedience.

  • The CEO's imperious tone left no room for discussion or dissent

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.