Dictate

(v.)

1. dictate (sth) (to sb): to say words for sb else to write down

口述

e.g. He dictated a letter to his secretary.

他向秘书口授信稿。

2. dictate (sth) (to sb): to tell sb what to do, especially in an annoying way

（尤指以令人不快的方式）指使，强行规定

e.g. They are in no position to dictate terms (=tell other people what to do).

他们没有资格发号施令。

e.g. What right do they have to dictate how we live our lives?

他们有什么权利强行规定我们该怎么生活？

e.g. Do not dictate to your author, try to become him.

切勿对作者颐指气使，努力去适应他。

3. to control or influence how sth happens

支配；摆布；决定

(syn.) determine

e.g. When we take our vacations is very much dictated by Greg's work schedule.

我们什么时候休假在很大程度上取决于格雷格的工作计划。

e.g. It's generally your job that dictates where you live now.

一般说来，你住在什么地方是由你的工作决定的。

(phr v.) dictate to sb: to give orders to sb, often in a rude or aggressive way

任意指使某人；向某人发号施令

e.g.  She refused to be dictated to by anyone.

她不愿意受任何人摆布。

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