dictate
v
1 [I, Ipr, Tn, Tn.pr]
~ (sth) (to sb) say or read aloud (words to be typed, written down or recorded on tape) 口授; 讀出(文字, 作聽寫或錄音)
dictate a letter to one's secretary 向秘書口授信稿
The teacher dictated a passage to the class. 教師讀出一段文章讓全班聽寫.
2 [Tn, Tn.pr]
~ sth (to sb) state or order sth with the force of authority 強行規定; 指令; 指定
dictate terms to a defeated enemy 向戰敗的敵人指定條件. 3 (phr v) dictate to sb (esp passive 尤用於被動語態) give orders to sb, esp in an officious way 指使某人; (尤指)向某人發號施令
I refuse to be dictated to by you. 我不愿被你呼來喚去的.
You can't dictate to people how they should live. 不能強行規定人們應該怎樣生活. =>Usage at decree 用法見decree. dictate, n (usu pl 通常作復數) command (esp one that reason, conscience, etc prompts one to obey) (尤指在理智、 良心等驅使下必須執行的)命令, 指令
Follow the dictates of common sense, ie Do what common sense tells you to do. 按常識行事.