Spell Bee Word: dictate

Basic Details

Word: Dictate

Part of Speech: Verb

Meaning: To speak or read something so that someone else can write it down.

Synonyms: Command, instruct, legislate

Antonyms: Allow, permit, listen

Idioms and Phrases

1. Dictate terms: To impose conditions or demand compliance. Example: "The manager decided to dictate terms for the new project, making sure everyone understood their responsibilities."
2. Make it a dictate: To make something a rule or requirement. Example: "During lunch, the teacher decided to make it a dictate that everyone must say thank you before leaving the table."

Usage Examples

Example 1: The teacher asked the students to dictate their stories while she wrote them on the board.

Example 2: He decided to dictate his letter to the assistant, who typed every word carefully.

Example 3: The author would often dictate her novels into a recording device before typing them out on her computer.

Fun Fact

Did you know that the word "dictate" comes from the Latin word "dictare," which means "to say aloud"? This reflects its original purpose of speaking words for others to write down.

Famous Quote

"We are all creators, and we can dictate how our lives unfold." Unknown

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. What does "dictate" mean?

a) To listen quietly
b) To speak or read aloud for someone to write down
c) To draw a picture
d) To play a game

Answer: b) To speak or read aloud for someone to write down

2. Which of these is a synonym of "dictate"?

a) Command
b) Listen
c) Ignore
d) Forget

Answer: a) Command

3. Which of the following is an antonym of "dictate"?

a) Instruct
b) Permit
c) Command
d) Lead

Answer: b) Permit

4. Which sentence uses "dictate" correctly?

a) The teacher decided to dictate the rules of the class.
b) The student decided to dictate quietly.
c) She asked him to dictate rapidly.
d) The dog wanted to dictate the playtime.

Answer: a) The teacher decided to dictate the rules of the class.

5. Which idiom means to set rules?

a) Run the show
b) Dictate terms
c) Change the game
d) Call the shots

Answer: b) Dictate terms