dictation
Translation
the act of dictating, a writing test
Examples
The secretary was good at taking dictation.
The secretary was good at writing down what was said.
We had a French dictation in class today.
We had a French writing test in class today.
Grammar Patterns
((to take dictation)) to write down what someone says The secretary is taking dictation.
((a dictation)) a test of writing skills We had a French dictation today.
Similar Words
Synonyms: transcription, monologue (in some contexts)
Etymology
From Latin 'dictatio', an action noun from 'dictare' (to dictate).
Memory Tips
This is the action (-ation) of the verb 'to dictate'.