Dictionary![]() ![]() dic•tatePronunciation: ( —v.dik'tāt, dik-tāt'; —n.dik'tāt), [key] —v., -tat•ed, -tat•ing, —n. —v.t. 1. to say or read (something) aloud for another person to transcribe or for a machine to record: to dictate some letters to a secretary. 2. to prescribe or lay down authoritatively or peremptorily; command unconditionally: to dictate peace terms to a conquered enemy. —v.i. 1. to say or read aloud something to be written down by a person or recorded by a machine. 2. to give orders. —n. 1. an authoritative order or command. 2. a guiding or governing principle, requirement, etc.: to follow the dictates of one's conscience. Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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