As a verb, meaning "to say or write something for someone else to copy down":
* The professor dictated the lecture notes for the students.
* I dictated a letter to my assistant, who typed it up for me.
As a verb, meaning "to order or control someone or something":
* The boss dictates the company's policies.
* The weather dictates what activities we can do outdoors.
As a noun, meaning "an order or command":
* The general's dictates were absolute.
* The terms of the contract were dictated by the larger company.
In a figurative sense:
* Her fear dictated her every move.
* The situation dictated that we leave immediately.