verb Uncommon

rectify

REHK-tuh-feye

Rectify (verb) means to correct a mistake or fix a problem. Example: “The company promised to rectify the billing error immediately.”

verb

To correct a mistake or fix a problem.

"The company promised to rectify the billing error immediately."

"He tried to rectify his reputation after the scandal."

In electronics, to convert alternating current into direct current.

"A diode is used to rectify the AC signal in the circuit."

How to use rectify

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo fix or correct something that is wrong.

Common pairings

rectify a mistake rectify the situation rectify an error

Word forms

rectified past tense, rectifies singular

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The company promised to _____ the billing error immediately.

Etymology

From Medieval Latin rectificare, "to make right," from Latin rectus ("straight, right").

Origin: Medieval Latin

Synonyms

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right correct reform repair remedy amend reclaim refine regenerate remediate

Related words

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Rhymes for rectify

unify codify verify pacify notify purify modify qualify amplify crucify specify falsify

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Frequently asked questions

What does “rectify” mean?

The word “rectify” means to correct a mistake or fix a problem. In plain terms, to fix or correct something that is wrong.

How do you pronounce “rectify”?

“Rectify” is pronounced REHK-tuh-feye (/ˈɹɛktəˌfaɪ/ in IPA).

How do you use “rectify” in a sentence?

Here is “rectify” used in a sentence: “The company promised to rectify the billing error immediately.”

What part of speech is “rectify”?

“Rectify” is a verb.

Where does the word “rectify” come from?

The word “rectify” comes from Medieval Latin. From Medieval Latin rectificare, "to make right," from Latin rectus ("straight, right").

Is “rectify” a common word?

“Rectify” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “rectify” have?

“Rectify” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to correct a mistake or fix a problem.

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