Dictates

The word 'dictates' refers to the act of stating or ordering something, often with authority and the expectation of obedience. It can involve giving commands, setting rules, or laying down principles that must be followed. This can apply to speech, written instructions, or unspoken pressures. It signifies a powerful influence on the actions or choices of others, conveying an element of control or guidance. dictates often imply a sense of necessity, where the subject must comply to achieve a desired outcome or avoid consequences.

Dictates meaning with examples

• The company's CEO dictates the strategic direction, outlining goals and methods. Her decisions influence company actions. This impacts department budgets, staffing, and new product rollouts, shaping all aspects of the business. Employees and shareholders alike must work to realize the dictated agenda if they wish to find success. She does this as a leader and decision maker.
• Weather patterns dictate when farmers can plant and harvest crops, impacting yields. Torrential rainfall dictates the route that the road construction crew needs to follow in order to accomplish the task. A sudden heat wave dictates air conditioning usage and affects energy prices, and these are hard to control.
• Social norms dictate appropriate behavior in specific settings. When attending formal events, common etiquette dictates attire, conduct and when and how to speak. Cultural practices dictate how weddings and funerals are performed. The written and unwritten rules guide interactions and manage expectations within social groups.
• A judge's instructions to the jury dictates the scope of their decision. This directs jury members to consider only evidence, and to weigh the evidence in specific ways. The legal procedures dictate how trials proceed. This has serious implications for how trials are conducted.