Basic Details
Word: Dictates
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To say or read something aloud so that someone can write it down or to give orders that must be followed.
Synonyms: Orders, commands, directs
Antonyms: Suggests, asks
Idioms and Phrases
- Dictate terms: To set the conditions or rules that others must follow. Example: "The manager will dictate terms for the project during the meeting."
- Follow the dictates of your heart: To act according to your own feelings or desires. Example: "She decided to follow the dictates of her heart and pursue her dream of becoming an artist."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The teacher dictates the spelling words for the students to write down in their notebooks.
Example 2: The rules dictate that all players must wear the same uniform during the match.
Example 3: He loves to dictate his thoughts into a recorder instead of writing them down.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the word "dictate" comes from the Latin word "dictare," meaning "to say or declare"? Originally, it referred to speaking aloud for someone else to transcribe!
Famous Quote
"It is easier to be a critic than to be a creator. Let us all create the world as we wish it to be, not merely to dictate it." — Unknown
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "dictates" mean?
a) To suggest an idea
b) To give orders or commands
c) To read silently
d) To ask politely
Answer: b) To give orders or commands
2. Which of these is a synonym of "dictates"?
a) Proposes
b) Orders
c) Ignores
d) Doubts
Answer: b) Orders
3. Which is an antonym of "dictates"?
a) Commands
b) Directs
c) Asks
d) Insists
Answer: c) Asks
4. Which sentence uses "dictates" correctly?
a) She dictates her homework to her friends.
b) The doctor was dictating a recipe for dinner.
c) The teacher dictates the rules for the classroom.
d) They dictate their joy through colours.
Answer: c) The teacher dictates the rules for the classroom.
5. Which idiom relates to "dictates"?
a) Follow the dictates of your heart
b) In the nick of time
c) Better late than never
d) Break the ice
Answer: a) Follow the dictates of your heart
