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to rectify

to rectify

45 6.0
To fix something that is wrong and make things right
  • verb
  • /ˈrɛktɪˌfaɪ/
translation icon : corregir
  • I don't, I don't see any steps to actually rectify the situation or to, to, to keep retention.
  • rectify the situation
  • rectify problems
  • rectify errors

But how do you rectify that with human error?

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Examples

  • We'll be back after we decide what we're going to do to rectify this disaster.

  • But I'm going to rectify things before it's too late.

  • If the problem was caused by you, take steps to rectify the situation.

    Academic text (1996)
  • Given this information, what can be done to rectify the situation?

    Academic text (2012)
  • All I can do is rectify matters now and hope for the best.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • I don't know what I can possibly say to rectify the harm I have caused you.

    Fiction book (1999)
  • That can go a long way in rectifying the bias.

  • EPD attempts to work with industries to identify and rectify emission violations.

    Academic text (1990)
  • Well, luckily a hasty modification can rectify that problem.

  • She worked hard to rectify the mistakes in her report before submitting it.

Synonyms

to correct
vsto rectify
483 1.0

To make something right by fixing a mistake

is used to make a whole situation proper rather than only fix accuracy
to amend
vsto rectify
119 3.9

To make small changes to a document, for example a law or statement, to correct mistakes

focuses on adjusting formal texts rather than fixing broader situations
to repair
vsto rectify
71 2.1

To try to make a damaged relationship or reputation better

is used for making situations proper generally rather than fixing physical damage
to remedy
vsto rectify
53 3.9

To fix a problem or bad situation

aims at making the broader circumstance proper rather than only offering a solution
to right
vsto rectify
41 4.4

To put something back into an upright position

covers fixing wrong situations rather than only setting objects upright
to redress
vsto rectify
  • Formal
17 7.7

To correct a wrong by giving money or taking action

relates to making general situations proper rather than focusing on injustice alone
to ameliorate
vsto rectify
11 8.1

To make a bad situation better

implies improving conditions rather than actively restoring proper order
to put right
vsto rectify
7 3.6

To fix a mistake or problem and return things to normal

focuses on fixing a situation as a whole rather than single errors
to remediate
vsto rectify
  • Specialized
4 6.9

To fix something that is wrong or not working well

is used for general fixing of problems rather than formal technical processes
to restitute
vsto rectify
8.9

Make something like it was before or better

is aimed at making a situation proper rather than only returning original state

Antonyms

73 4.6

Make a problem or health condition worse

69 8.0

To make a problem or feeling worse

How Correct

to resolve
623 3.3
to rectify
45 6.0
fix
76 1.0
to adjust
317 2.7

Surface Forms

rectify infinitive
rectified past
rectified past participle
rectifying present participle
rectifies third person singular

Morphology

rectify = rect + ify

The suffix '-ify' clearly means 'make/cause to be', but the root 'rect' is a Latin combining form (not a common standalone English word), so the 'make right' sense is derivable in principle but not fully transparent to an average B1 learner.

Etymology

Rectify comes from the Latin root rect- (from rectus) meaning 'straight' or 'right'. So to rectify a mistake is to 'make it right' or 'straighten' the situation, which is why it means 'to correct'.