Dictate vs. Diktat — What's the Difference?

To say or read aloud to be recorded or written by another

A diktat is a statute, harsh penalty or settlement imposed upon a defeated party by the victor, or a dogmatic decree. The term has acquired a pejorative sense, to describe a set of rules dictated by a foreign power or an unpopular local power.

To prescribe with authority; impose

A harsh, unilaterally imposed settlement with a defeated party.

To control or command

An authoritative or dogmatic statement or decree.

To say or read aloud material to be recorded or written by another

A harsh penalty or settlement imposed upon a defeated party by the victor

To issue orders or commands.

A dogmatic decree or command, especially issued by one who rules without popular consent

A directive; a command.

An underlying constraint

A guiding principle

An order or command.

To order, command, control.

To speak in order for someone to write down the words.

To determine or decisively affect.

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.

An authoritative rule

A guiding principle;

Issue commands or orders for

Say out loud for the purpose of recording;

Rule as a dictator