dictar

Dictar is a Spanish verb from the -ar conjugation. Its primary meaning is to dictate: to read aloud so that someone else writes down the exact words, or to state the words of a text or speech for transcription. This usage is common in educational and administrative contexts, for example when a teacher dictates a passage or a secretary records dictated text.

Beyond dictation, the verb also means to issue or decree officially, such as to dictate laws, regulations, or guidelines. In a legal or governmental setting, it can denote the act of pronouncing or delivering a verdict or sentence, as in dictar una sentencia. The sense of giving instructions, commands, or directives is also found in everyday usage, where someone can dictate terms or conditions for an agreement.

Etymology and forms: dictar comes from Latin dictare, itself from dicere “to say.” It is a regular -ar verb, so its conjugation follows the standard endings of this class. Related noun forms include dictado, referring to a dictation or dictated text, and dictación, the act of dictation.

Summary: dictar covers both the act of reading aloud for transcription and the broader meaning of issuing directives, rules, or judicial rulings. It connects to related concepts such as dictado and dictación in its nominal forms.