Dictate /(?)/

imp. & p. p. Dictated; p. pr. & vb. n. Dictating

1. To tell or utter so that another may write down; to inspire; to compose; as, to dictate a letter to an amanuensis.

   The mind which dictated the Iliad.

   Pages dictated by the Holy Spirit.

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.

   Whatsoever is dictated to us by God must be believed.

1. To speak as a superior; to command; to impose conditions (on).

   Who presumed to dictate to the sovereign.

2. To compose literary works; to tell what shall be written or said by another.

   Sylla could not skill of letters, and therefore knew not how to dictate.

1. A statement delivered with authority; an order; a command; an authoritative rule, principle, or maxim; a prescription; as, listen to the dictates of your conscience; the dictates of the gospel.

   I credit what the Grecian dictates say.