Word
dictatorial
Phoneticsdic·ta·to·ri·al, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌdɪktəˈtɔɹiəɫ/
UK/dɪktɐtˈɔːɹɪəl/
Politics
Definition
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.
Examples
“The leader's dictatorial style made it hard for others to speak up.”
“The new manager's dictatorial approach to scheduling caused a lot of tension among the staff.”
“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.”
Examples
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.”
Real-World Examples
“They called Presa “dictatorial”; the protest, by contrast, “peaceful and democratic, necessary”.” “But despite Infantino’s spectacular miscalculations and dictatorial shifts, those who have the power to “boot” him have instead made him the frontrunner in next year’s election.” Etymology
From dictator + -ial.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/dictatorial