rectify

verb

rec·​ti·​fy ˈrek-tə-ˌfī 

rectified; rectifying

transitive verb

1

: to set right : remedy

2

: to purify especially by repeated or fractional distillation

rectified alcohol

3

: to correct by removing errors : adjust

rectify the calendar

4

: 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.

Synonyms

• amend
• correct
• debug
• emend
• red-pencil
• reform
• remedy

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 district is also a year into a September 2023 monitoring order with the Texas Education Agency to rectify issues with its special education services. —Keri Heath, Austin American-Statesman, 15 Dec. 2024

Ingram seemed like the obvious way to rectify that roster imbalance, particularly after the Pelicans signed Murphy to a four-year, $112 million extension on the eve of the regular season. —Bryan Toporek, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024

Come From Co-Workers: Poll Bryan said the measure's purpose is to rectify past and current discrimination at universities. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 2 Dec. 2024

The Friday Night Freak Show, now conducting business at the Oriental Theatre, rectifies that with a screening at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 15, with a DJ session starting at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $13. —Chris Foran, Journal Sentinel, 13 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English rectifien, from Anglo-French rectifier, from Medieval Latin rectificare, from Latin rectus right — more at right

First Known Use

circa 1529, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Kids Definition

rectify

verb

rec·​ti·​fy ˈrek-tə-ˌfī 

rectified; rectifying

: to set or make right

rectifiable

-ˌfī-ə-bəl

adjective

rectification

ˌrek-tə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

noun

Medical Definition

rectify

transitive verb

rec·​ti·​fy ˈrek-tə-ˌfī 

rectified; rectifying

1

: to purify (as alcohol) especially by repeated or fractional distillation

2

: to make (an alternating current) unidirectional