dictatorially
dictatorially — adverb
1. in a way that uses the complete, unchecked power of a ruler who controls a count
in a way that uses the complete, unchecked power of a ruler who controls a country without being chosen through elections
The old king ruled dictatorially, sending anyone who argued with him to prison.
verb + dictatorially describing political rule
After the army took power, every newspaper was dictatorially shut down within a week.
passive: dictatorially + past participle
Kim's parents told stories about how the regime dictatorially decided where people could live.
The new laws were dictatorially forced on the population without any public discussion.
- autocratically
more specific to a single ruler with absolute power
- tyrannically
stronger negative connotation, suggests cruel or unjust use of power
- democratically
by the people, through elections and discussion
文法句型
verb + dictatorially
用法筆記
Subject of the sentence is typically a political leader, government, or ruling group. The verb modified is usually related to governing or controlling (rule, govern, impose, shut down).
常見錯誤
2. describing how someone acts when they demand total obedience and give orders wit
describing how someone acts when they demand total obedience and give orders without caring about other people's opinions or feelings
The new manager dictatorially announced that lunch breaks would be cut to fifteen minutes.
dictatorially + verb of commanding/announcing
At every meeting, the chairperson dictatorially rejected any suggestion that came from younger staff.
Tariq's uncle dictatorially decided which university his daughter should attend.
The team leader dictatorially assigned all the difficult tasks to the newest members.
- autocratically
more common for political contexts but also used for personal behaviour
- despotically
even stronger, suggests cruelty and unfairness
- democratically
by asking others for their opinions before deciding
文法句型
verb + dictatorially
用法筆記
Used for personal or workplace behaviour, not political systems. The verb is usually about making decisions, giving orders, or rejecting others' ideas (announced, decided, rejected, assigned).
常見錯誤
dictatorially — adjective
- dictatoriallypositive
- more dictatoriallycomparative
- most dictatoriallysuperlative
1. having the qualities or style of a ruler who holds total power over a country wi
having the qualities or style of a ruler who holds total power over a country without being elected
The general's dictatorial style made many citizens afraid to express their opinions.
dictatorial + style / manner / approach
Wei wrote a long article criticising the president's dictatorial behaviour in office.
Rosa's history book described the dictatorial habits of several twentieth-century leaders.
When the chairman started acting in a dictatorial way, three members left the board.
- authoritarian
broader term for favouring strong central power
- autocratic
specific to rule by one person with unlimited power
- democratic
based on the consent of the people through elections
文法句型
dictatorial + noun
be + dictatorial
用法筆記
Describes the personal style, behaviour, or qualities of a leader — not the system of government itself. For the system, use sense 2.
2. describing a country or system of government that is controlled by a single lead
describing a country or system of government that is controlled by a single leader with absolute, unchecked power
The country lived under a dictatorial government for more than thirty years before the uprising.
dictatorial + government / regime / state
After the revolution, the dictatorial regime was replaced by an elected parliament.
Foreign journalists were not allowed to enter the dictatorial nation to report on the election.
Ana's grandparents escaped the dictatorial state when they were still in their twenties.
- totalitarian
stronger term implying complete control over every part of life
- autocratic
emphasises rule by one person with unlimited power
- democratic
governed by elected representatives
文法句型
dictatorial + government/regime/state
用法筆記
This is the most common sense of the adjective. It always describes a country, government, or political system, never a person's personality. Distinguish from sense 1 (personal qualities) and sense 3 (overbearing behaviour).
常見錯誤
3. describing a person who forces their will on others in a cruel or unreasonably f
describing a person who forces their will on others in a cruel or unreasonably forceful way, refusing to listen to other people's views
The team leader's dictatorial attitude drove away the most talented workers.
dictatorial + attitude / manner / way
Fatima refused to work under such a dictatorial supervisor who never asked for anyone's opinion.
The coach's dictatorial style made players feel they had no say in decisions.
Dmitri left the club because of one member's dictatorial manner during every group discussion.
- overbearing
less formal, focuses on the feeling of being crushed by someone's authority
- domineering
common for describing someone who tries to control others in a personal setting
文法句型
dictatorial + noun (person's manner/attitude)
用法筆記
Describes a person's behaviour in any setting (work, family, community), not a political leader. Unlike sense 1, this is purely about interpersonal dominance, not political power. More common in predicative position (e.g. 'He is so dictatorial.').