dictate
Translation
to say aloud for writing, to command, to determine
Examples
She dictated a letter to her assistant.
She spoke a letter for her assistant to write down.
The rules dictate how the game is played.
The rules determine how the game is played.
You are in no position to dictate terms.
You are in no position to command the terms.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) ((to sb.)) to say (sth.) aloud for (sb.) to write down She dictated a letter to her assistant.
((sth.)) to control or determine (sth.) The rules dictate the procedure.
((to sb.)) to tell (sb.) what to do Don't try to dictate to me.
Similar Words
Synonyms: command, order, prescribe, impose
Etymology
From Latin 'dictare', meaning 'to say repeatedly, assert', a frequentative of 'dicere' (to say).
Memory Tips
A 'dictator' is someone who 'dictates' the rules to everyone else.