Rectify
To correct something; to make it right by removing errors, or to repair or amend.
verbRectify
To correct something; to make it right by removing errors, or to repair or amend.
verbImagine This
An artist is standing before a vibrant canvas, gently adjusting colors and textures. Nearby, a glowing light bulb symbolizes inspiration, illuminating the area. As the artist adds the final touches, a butterfly flutters by, representing transformation and correction. The scene embodies the joy of refining and perfecting one's work.
Sounds Like
rek-tuh-fahy
Looks Like
Contains the root 'rect-' meaning straight; visually resembles 'rectangle' and 'correct'.
Remember This
Rectify comes from the Latin rectus 'straight' and facere 'to make.' In formal contexts, rectify is often used for correcting errors; in everyday speech, amend or fix are common substitutes.
Other Forms
Note
Do not confuse with 'rector' (a clergyman) or with simply 'correct' in casual use. Rectify emphasizes fixing errors or wrongs, sometimes after a mistake or wrongdoing.
Study Deeper
- The editor rectified the typographical errors before the book went to print.
- The city council took steps to rectify the environmental damage caused by the factory.
From Latin rectus 'straight' plus facere 'to make'; originally meaning to make straight or to set right.
Mnemonic: RECT-IFY — RECT means straight in Latin; adding 'ify' means to make something so. To rectify is to make it straight or right again.
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Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Remedy
nounA medicine or treatment that cures or alleviates a disease; or a means of solving or correcting a problem. As a verb, to remedy means to fix or rectify something.
Redress
verbTo set right a wrong; to remedy or compensate for damage or grievance.
Abandon
verbTo give up completely, to desert or leave behind, or to relinquish a claim, plan, or responsibility.
Abate
verbTo decrease in amount or intensity; to reduce or end something.
Abolish
verbTo formally end or repeal a system, practice, or institution; to officially put an end to something established.
Abridge
verbTo shorten (a text, speech, or other work) by omitting parts; to condense.