dictation: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to formal; technical in language teaching; authoritative in political/managerial contexts.
Quick answer
What does “dictation” mean?
The action of speaking words aloud so that they can be written down by another person.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The action of speaking words aloud so that they can be written down by another person.
1) An exercise in language learning where a teacher reads text aloud for students to write. 2) The words that are dictated. 3) An authoritative, commanding order or instruction that must be obeyed.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in meaning or usage.
Connotations
In both varieties, 'dictation' as a language exercise is neutral. In political contexts ('the dictatorship's dictation'), it carries equally strong negative connotations.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “dictation” in a Sentence
take dictation from [someone]give dictation to [a group]write [something] from dictationrefuse to accept the dictation ofVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dictation” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The manager will dictate the letter for his assistant to type.
- I refuse to be dictated to by someone with no experience.
American English
- She dictated the memo into her voice-recognition software.
- The treaty terms were dictated by the victorious nation.
adverb
British English
- The instructions were given dictatorially, with no room for debate.
- He spoke dictatingly into the headset. (rare)
American English
- She ruled dictatorially over the committee.
- He stated his demands dictatorially.
adjective
British English
- The dictator's dictatorial manner was evident. (related adjective)
- He used dictation software to compose his report.
American English
- They lived under a dictatorial regime. (related adjective)
- She preferred dictation programs over typing.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to the process of a manager speaking for a secretary to type correspondence (though now largely replaced by digital recording). Can metaphorically describe non-negotiable corporate policy.
Academic
Primarily refers to a language learning exercise testing listening and writing skills. Also used in political science/history: 'the colonial power governed by dictation'.
Everyday
Most commonly understood as the school/language class exercise: 'We had a French dictation today.'
Technical
In voice recognition software or medical fields, the act of speaking notes for later transcription.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dictation”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dictation”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dictation”
- Using 'dictation' to mean 'dictionary' (false friend). Confusing 'dictation' (process) with 'transcript' (product). Overusing the authoritarian sense in neutral contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it has three main uses: 1) the general process of speaking for transcription, 2) a specific language teaching exercise, and 3) a metaphor for an authoritarian command.
'Dictation' is the standard English word with the meanings listed. 'Diktat' is a loanword from German, used specifically and negatively for a harsh, imposed settlement or command, especially in political contexts.
In modern usage, yes. 'To dictate' is frequently used for both the neutral act (dictate a letter) and the authoritarian one (dictate terms). The noun 'dictation' is somewhat more formal or specific.
Not obsolete, but evolved. The traditional secretary 'taking dictation' is rarer. However, 'dictation' now commonly refers to using voice-to-text software or in medical/legal note-taking, and the language exercise remains widespread.
The action of speaking words aloud so that they can be written down by another person.
Dictation is usually neutral to formal; technical in language teaching; authoritative in political/managerial contexts. in register.
Dictation: in British English it is pronounced /dɪkˈteɪʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /dɪkˈteɪʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to take dictation (idiomatic: to obediently follow orders)”
- “under the dictation of (acting under someone's absolute command)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: DICTation = DICTate + ACTION. It's the *action* of speaking words to be written down.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWLEDGE/COMMANDS ARE SPOKEN WORDS TO BE WRITTEN DOWN (neutral); AUTHORITY IS A SPEAKER, SUBORDINATION IS A SCRIBE (negative).
Practice
Quiz
In a language classroom, 'dictation' primarily refers to: