dictate

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dic·tate / ˈdikˌtāt/ • v. [tr.] 1. lay down authoritatively; prescribe: the tsar's attempts to dictate policy | [intr.] that doesn't give you the right to dictate to me. ∎  control or decisively affect; determine: choice is often dictated by availability | [intr.] a review process can be changed as circumstances dictate. 2. say or read aloud (words to be typed, written down, or recorded on tape): I have four letters to dictate.• n. (usu. dictates) an order or principle that must be obeyed: the dictates of fashion.

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