rule vs dictate

rule and dictate both are nouns.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
rule	Yes	No	Yes	No
dictate	Yes	No	Yes	No

As nouns, dictate is a hyponym of rule; that is, dictate is a word with a more specific, narrower meaning than rule:

As verbs, dictate is a hyponym of rule; that is, dictate is a word with a more specific, narrower meaning than rule:

Other hyponyms of rule include throne, misgovern, reign.

rule (noun)	dictate (noun)
measuring stick consisting of a strip of wood or metal or plastic with a straight edge that is used for drawing straight lines and measuring lengths	a guiding principle
a principle or condition that customarily governs behavior	an authoritative rule
something regarded as a normative example
a rule or law concerning a natural phenomenon or the function of a complex system
a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct
(mathematics) a standard procedure for solving a class of mathematical problems
prescribed guide for conduct or action
(linguistics) a rule describing (or prescribing) a linguistic practice
directions that define the way a game or sport is to be conducted
any one of a systematic body of regulations defining the way of life of members of a religious order
dominance or power through legal authority
the duration of a monarch's or government's power

rule (verb)	dictate (verb)
keep in check	say out loud for the purpose of recording
decide with authority	issue commands or orders for
decide on and make a declaration about	rule as a dictator
mark or draw with a ruler
exercise authority over; as of nations
be larger in number, quantity, power, status or importance
have an affinity with; of signs of the zodiac