| 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 dictator
2. expecting unquestioning obedience
3. characteristic of an absolute ruler or absolute rule; having absolute sovereignty
Familiarity information: DICTATORIAL used as an adjective is uncommon.
Dictionary entry details
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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