Dictating

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Dictate \Dic"tate\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Dictated}; p. pr. & vb.
     n. {Dictating}.] [L. dictatus, p. p. of dictare, freq. of
     dicere to say. See {Diction}, and cf. {Dight}.]
     1. To tell or utter so that another may write down; to
        inspire; to compose; as, to dictate a letter to an
        amanuensis.


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              The mind which dictated the Iliad.    --Wayland.
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              Pages dictated by the Holy Spirit.    --Macaulay.
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     2. To say; to utter; to communicate authoritatively; to
        deliver (a command) to a subordinate; to declare with
        authority; to impose; as, to dictate the terms of a
        treaty; a general dictates orders to his troops.
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              Whatsoever is dictated to us by God must be
              believed.                             --Watts.
  
     Syn: To suggest; prescribe; enjoin; command; point out; urge;
          admonish.
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