ENGLISH
REFERENCE

dictatorial

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˌdɪktəˈtɔɹiəɫ// UK //dɪktɐtˈɔːɹɪəl// dic·ta·to·ri·al

adj. describing a leader or a system where one person has total power and makes all the rules. It can also describe someone who is very bossy and wants everyone to follow their orders.

adj. characterised by or resembling a dictatorship; exercising absolute power without legal or constitutional restraint. Often used to describe a person's manner or a system's structure.


SIMPLE

The leader's dictatorial style made it hard for others to speak up.

CONTEXTUAL

The new manager's dictatorial approach to scheduling caused a lot of tension among the staff.

COMPLEX

The transition from a democratic government to a dictatorial regime was marked by the sudden suppression of independent media and the arrest of political opponents.

Synonyms
Origin

From dictator + -ial.

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