Dictate
/dɪkˈteɪt/noun
To say or read aloud for someone else to write down.
Did you know?In medieval times, the act of dictation was often associated with authority and control, reflecting a time when the spoken word could command destinies.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*deik-
“to show or point out, a root associated with assertion.”
Latin
Latin
dictare
“to say repeatedly or to declare, suggesting a command or authoritative instruction.”
Late Latin
Late Latin
dictatus
“a saying or command, emphasizing the authoritative nature of the spoken word.”
14th Century
Middle English
dictaten
“to read aloud or to order, indicating the transfer of spoken authority into written form.”
Modern English
English
dictate
“to dictate or command, retaining the sense of authoritative speech.”
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