rectify

verb

rec·ti·fy ˈrek-tə-ˌfī

rectified; rectifying

Synonyms of rectify next

transitive verb

: to set right : remedy

: to purify especially by repeated or fractional distillation

rectified alcohol

: to correct by removing errors : adjust

rectify the calendar

: to make (an alternating current) unidirectional

rectification

ˌrek-tə-fə-ˈkā-shən

noun

Did you know?

Don’t worry if you struggle with the word rectify—we’re here to set you straight. When you rectify something, you correct an error or make things right, which is fitting because rectify and correct both ultimately trace back to the Latin word regere, which can mean “to lead straight,” “to direct,” or “to rule.” Rectify has had its “to set right” meaning since the early 16th century, but the word has over the years accrued various other meanings as well, including the specialized uses “to purify especially by repeated or fractional distillation” (as in “rectified alcohol”), “to make (an alternating current) unidirectional,” and several medical applications having to do with healing of one kind or another. Regere plays a part in the histories of a number of familiar English words, in addition to those mentioned above; the many relatives of rectify include direct, resurrection, and regimen.

Choose the Right Synonym for rectify

correct, rectify, emend, remedy, redress, amend, reform, revise mean to make right what is wrong.

correct implies taking action to remove errors, faults, deviations, defects.

correct your spelling

rectify implies a more essential changing to make something right, just, or properly controlled or directed.

rectify a misguided policy

emend specifically implies correction of a text or manuscript.

emend a text

remedy implies removing or making harmless a cause of trouble, harm, or evil.

set out to remedy the evils of the world

redress implies making compensation or reparation for an unfairness, injustice, or imbalance.

redress past social injustices

amend, reform, revise imply an improving by making corrective changes, amend usually suggesting slight changes

amend a law

, reform implying drastic change

plans to reform the court system

, and revise suggesting a careful examination of something and the making of necessary changes.

revise the schedule

Examples of rectify in a Sentence

The hotel management promised to rectify the problem. let me get the store manager, and he'll rectify the invoice for your order

Recent Examples on the Web The personnel issues go beyond that for the Cornhuskers, illustrating major talent deficiencies at wide receiver, the offensive line and every level of the defense that won't be rectified any time soon. —

Paul Myerberg, USA TODAY, 10 Sep. 2023 That left them with no kickers, although that will be rectified before their season opener. —

Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2023 Within weeks, the Continental Congress tried to rectify that blot on American valor, voting to erect a marble memorial to the fallen hero that can still be seen today at St. Paul’s Chapel in New York City, where he would eventually be interred in 1818. —

Julie Flavell, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Aug. 2023 Thirty-five female full professors or emeriti at Vassar issued a statement of support for their colleagues, calling on the college to ‘’finally root out systemic discrimination and rectify the clear pattern of gender pay disparities. —

Danielle Douglas-Gabriel, BostonGlobe.com, 30 Aug. 2023 This strike on the writers and actors’ side is really about rectifying more than a decade of abuses from the studios. —

Numa Perrier, Essence, 8 Aug. 2023 For those who haven't enjoyed the pleasure of this combination recently, rectify that by serving this crowd-favorite dish alongside hot dogs fresh off the grill. —

Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 28 July 2023 Yost action here is aimed at rectifying that because this is what costs government. —

Laura Johnston, cleveland, 3 Aug. 2023 The village of East Dundee has inconsistent ordinances on when loud noise or loud music must end at night, a situation trustees plan to rectify at their Aug. 7 meeting. —

Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 25 July 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rectify.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.