to tell or utter so that another may write down; to inspire; to compose; as, to dictate a letter to an amanuensis.-to say; to utter; to communicate authoritatively; to deliver (a command) to a subordinate; to declare with authority; to impose; as, to dictate the terms of a treaty; a general dictates orders to his troops.-to speak as a superior; to command; to impose conditions (on).-to compose literary works; to tell what shall be written or said by another.-a statement delivered with authority; an order; a command; an authoritative rule, principle, or maxim; a prescription; as, listen to the dictates of your conscience; the dictates of the gospel.