English Dictionary

DICTATORIAL

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IPA (US): 

 Dictionary entry overview: What does dictatorial mean? 

DICTATORIAL (adjective)
  The adjective DICTATORIAL has 3 senses:

1. of or characteristic of a dictatorplay

2. expecting unquestioning obedienceplay

3. characteristic of an absolute ruler or absolute rule; having absolute sovereigntyplay

  Familiarity information: DICTATORIAL used as an adjective is uncommon.


 Dictionary entry details 


DICTATORIAL (adjective)


Sense 1

Meaning:

Of or characteristic of a dictator

Classified under:

Relational adjectives (pertainyms)

Context example:

dictatorial powers

Pertainym:

dictator (a ruler who is unconstrained by law)

Derivation:

dictator (a ruler who is unconstrained by law)


Sense 2

Meaning:

Expecting unquestioning obedience

Synonyms:

authoritarian; dictatorial; overbearing

Context example:

insufferably overbearing behavior toward the waiter

Similar:

domineering (tending to domineer)


Sense 3

Meaning:

Characteristic of an absolute ruler or absolute rule; having absolute sovereignty

Synonyms:

authoritarian; autocratic; despotic; dictatorial; tyrannic; tyrannical

Context example:

a tyrannical government

Similar:

undemocratic (not in agreement with or according to democratic doctrine or practice or ideals)

Derivation:

dictator (a ruler who is unconstrained by law)


 Context examples 


He is evidently the Sir Oracle of them, and I should think must have been in his time a most dictatorial person.

(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)

I believe her to be both in a great degree, replied Wickham; I have not seen her for many years, but I very well remember that I never liked her, and that her manners were dictatorial and insolent.

(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)



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