rectify

[ rek-tuh-fahy ]

verb (used with object)

rectified, rectifying.

1. to make, put, or set right; remedy; correct:

   He sent them a check to rectify his account.

   Synonyms: amend, emend, mend

   Antonyms: muddle, worsen

2. to put right by adjustment or calculation, as an instrument or a course at sea.

   Synonyms: straighten, regulate, adjust

3. Chemistry. to purify (especially a spirit or liquor) by repeated distillation.
4. Electricity. to change (an alternating current) into a direct current.
5. to determine the length of (a curve).
6. Astronomy, Geography. to adjust (a globe) for the solution of any proposed problem.

rectify

/ ˈrɛktɪˌfaɪ /

verb

1. to put right; correct; remedy
2. to separate (a substance) from a mixture or refine (a substance) by fractional distillation
3. to convert (alternating current) into direct current
4. maths to determine the length of (a curve)
5. to cause (an object) to assume a linear motion or characteristic

Derived Forms

• ˌrectifiˈcation, noun
• ˈrectiˌfiable, adjective

Other Word Forms

• self-rec·ti·fy·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of rectify¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English rectifien, from Middle French rectifier, from Medieval Latin rēctificāre, from Latin rēct(us) “right, straight” + -ificāre -ify; right

Word History and Origins

Origin of rectify¹

C14: via Old French from Medieval Latin rectificāre to adjust, from Latin rectus straight + facere to make

Example Sentences

"The Court does not reach such conclusion lightly or hastily; indeed, it has given Defendants ample opportunity to rectify or explain their actions. None of their responses has been satisfactory," federal judge James Boasberg wrote.

From BBC

The majority also contain elements of environmental justice, which seeks to rectify inequities such as extreme heat and pollution that disproportionately burden low-income communities and communities of color.

From Los Angeles Times

The local authority has since spent millions of pounds to rectify the cladding.

From BBC

Similarly is their ability to play spin, and with a World Cup in India approaching, they have less time to rectify this weakness but it should be a non-negotiable.

From BBC

The Belfast Trust said it recently completed investigatory work in two bedrooms to determine the extent of remediation work to rectify damage caused by water ingress.

From BBC

Related Words

• amend
• fix
• improve
• redress
• remedy
• straighten out