dictate
verb uk/dɪkˈteɪt/ us/ˈdɪk.teɪt/
(GIVE ORDERS)
C1 [ I or T ]命令，下（令）;决定，规定
to give orders, or tell someone exactly what they must do, with total authority
The UN will dictate the terms of troop withdrawal from the region. 联合国将决定军队从该地区撤军的条件。
[ + question word ] He disagrees with the government dictating what children are taught in schools. 他不同意由政府来决定孩子在学校学习哪些课程。
[ + that ] The rules dictate that only running shoes must be worn on the track. 规则规定跑道上只能穿跑鞋。
[ T ]影响；决定；要求
to influence something or make it necessary
The party's change of policy has been dictated by its need to win back younger voters. 该党政策上的变化是由于需要赢回年轻选民的支持。
[ + that ] I wanted to take a year off, but my financial situation dictated that I got a job. 我想休息一年，但我的经济状况却迫使我必须工作。
- More examples
- Many people feel they must do whatever their doctor dictates, and never question the advice they are given.
- After dictating what is to be done, she then leaves her husband to do all the work!
- When I went to the hairdresser, my mum just dictated how it was to be cut.
- He shouldn't be allowed to dictate all the terms and conditions - it's supposed to be a democratic decision.
(SPEAK)
[ I or T ]口述，口授
to speak something aloud for a person or machine to record what is said, so that it can be written down
I dictated my order over the phone. 我通过电话口述了命令。
She spent the morning dictating letters to her secretary. 她花了一上午的时间向秘书口述信件。
Phrasal verb
dictate to someone 告诉…怎么做，指挥…
to tell someone what to do
Why should anyone dictate to parents on how to raise their children? 为什么父母要让人对他们怎么养大孩子指手画脚？
I will not be dictated to like that! 我不愿意那样受人摆布！
dictate
noun [ C usually plural ] formal uk/ˈdɪk.teɪt/ us/ˈdɪk.teɪt/
命令；（对自身的）要求
an order that should be obeyed, often one that you give to yourself
the dictates of conscience/common sense 良心／情理的驱使
Compare: diktat