Definition

The act of saying words aloud so that someone can write them down or record them.

Example

The teacher gave a dictation for the students to practice their spelling.

Conversation

Have you ever tried dictation to improve your writing skills?

I haven't, but I've heard it can help a lot.

Yeah, you just speak and it transcribes everything for you.

That sounds really useful! I might give it a shot.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Dictation → It is formed from "dictare" (meaning to say or declare) and the suffix "-tion" (indicating the action or process). The word "dictation" refers to the action of saying something for someone else to write down or record.

Memory Tip

Think of someone 'saying' ('dictare') something that needs to be 'written down' — that's what dictation means.

Visually Confused Words