rectify

Meanings

1. 1verbtransitiveformal

   To put right something that is wrong, such as a mistake, fault or unfair situation.

   Grammar: Always takes an object: rectify the error.

   Patterns

   • rectify something

   The airline promised to rectify the error in my booking.

   Engineers worked all night to rectify the fault.

   The new law aims to rectify past injustices.

2. 2verbtransitivetechnicalphysics

   To convert alternating electric current into direct current.

   Grammar: Takes an object: a diode rectifies the current.

   Patterns

   • rectify a current

   A diode can rectify alternating current.

   The charger rectifies the mains supply before it reaches the battery.

Word forms

Common combinations

rectify a mistake

We will rectify the mistake as soon as possible.

rectify the situation

The manager acted quickly to rectify the situation.

rectify an error

Please rectify the error on my invoice.

rectify a problem

It took weeks to rectify the problem.

Synonyms and how they differ

correct

Is the everyday word and can be used for fixing small slips; rectify sounds more official.

remedy

Suggests curing a harmful situation or problem, not just fixing a mistake.

fix

Is informal and works for repairing objects as well as errors.

amend

Means to change wording of a text, law or document to improve it.

Opposites

Word family

rectification noun

the act of putting something right

rectifier noun

a device that converts alternating current to direct current

Commonly confused: rectify or rectory?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “rectify”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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