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View synonyms for rectify

rectify

[ rek-tuh-fahy ]

verb (used with object)

, rec·ti·fied, rec·ti·fy·ing.
  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


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Derived Forms

  • ˈrectiˌfiable, adjective
  • ˌrectifiˈcation, noun

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Other Words From

  • self-rec·ti·fy·ing adjective

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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

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Word History and Origins

Origin of rectify1

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

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Example Sentences

He says he never did the work for money, but instead to rectify that destruction he observed.

And when that culture still holds onto sexist views of women, even attempts to rectify this imbalance can backfire.

If I had one wish here, it would be for Aden Young to sneak a surprise nod for Rectify.

TV: Rectify, Sundance Channel Is Rectify the best new show on TV?

And should a silly, sometimes slight comedy like Veep be excised to include yet another harrowing drama, Rectify?

We can not undertake to rectify mistakes and settle disputes between those who are exchanging.

When centuries have elapsed and new rights have grown up, it is impossible to rectify the wrongs of times long gone by.

Suppose you attempt to rectify their mistakes yourself, since you seem so positive about their existence.

It also serves to rectify the errors of reproduction that may be found in the preceding faculty of imagination.

Time and reason will rectify the first; but time, and even reason, will but harden and embolden the latter.

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