Meaning
Dictation is a noun that refers to the act of speaking words aloud so that someone else can write them down, or the act of writing down what someone else says. It can also mean authoritative orders or commands.
Grammar and Usage
- Part of speech: Noun
- Uncountable when referring to the activity (e.g., “do dictation”).
- Countable when referring to a specific piece (e.g., “a dictation exercise”).
Typical structures:
- give dictation to sb = to say words for someone to write down.
- take dictation = to write down what someone says.
- dictation exercise = practice activity in language learning.
Common Phrases
- take dictation
- give dictation
- dictation exercise
- dictation test
Collocations
- language dictation
- dictation practice
- dictation skills
- dictation software
Examples
- The teacher gave the students a dictation to test their listening skills.
- She worked as a secretary and often took dictation from her boss.
- Many language learners improve spelling through dictation exercises.
- The manager dictated a letter, and the assistant wrote it down word for word.
- He used dictation software to type out his thoughts more quickly.
- The exam included a short dictation passage.
- The teacher’s dictation helped the children focus on correct punctuation.
- The author dictated his memoirs to an assistant.
Synonyms or Related
- transcription
- copying
- noting down
- writing to order
- command (in authoritative sense)