RECTIFY • FREE TRANSLATOR.ORG • Definition of Rectify

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/rˈɛktəfˌaɪ/ Listen

verb

Rectify v. t. (past & past part. rectified; pres. part. rectifying)

To make or set right; to correct from a wrong, erroneous, or false state; to amend; as, to rectify errors, mistakes, or abuses; to rectify the will, the judgment, opinions; to rectify disorders. "I meant to rectify my conscience." "This was an error of opinion which a conflicting opinion would have rectified."

(Chem.) To refine or purify by repeated distillation or sublimation, by which the fine parts of a substance are separated from the grosser; as, to rectify spirit of wine.

(Com.) To produce ( as factitious gin or brandy) by redistilling low wines or ardent spirits (whisky, rum, etc.), flavoring substances, etc., being added.

To rectify a globe, to adjust it in order to prepare for the solution of a proposed problem.

Synonyms: To amend; emend; correct; better; mend; reform; redress; adjust; regulate; improve. See Amend.

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Etymology of 'Rectify'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Rectify" Quotes from Famous Books

... haven't much to spare; and I have relations in narrow circumstances—perhaps narrower than theirs. But that is not the point. Were I ever so rich I feel I could not rectify the past by money. I did not promise to enrich her. On the contrary, I told her it would probably be dire poverty for both of us. But I did promise ...

— Life's Little Ironies - A set of tales with some colloquial sketches entitled A Few Crusted Characters • Thomas Hardy

... too late to acquire a perfect control of a new tongue, but not too late to become a loyal son of his adopted country. He brought to Jefferson's group of advisers not only a thorough knowledge of public finance but a sound judgment and a statesmanlike vision, which were often needed to rectify the political vagaries ...

— Jefferson and his Colleagues - A Chronicle of the Virginia Dynasty, Volume 15 In The - Chronicles Of America Series • Allen Johnson

... was to rectify his mistake of the morning, and make his brother understand that he had repented of the determination he had made to work against him, and that he was going to do all he could to assist him. He tried to do ...

— The Boy Trapper • Harry Castlemon

... which have been made even in the common country schools. The disadvantages of my early education I have experienced during life; and, among various others, the acquiring of a very faulty pronunciation; a habit contracted so early, that I cannot wholly rectify it in later years." ...

— Woman's Life in Colonial Days • Carl Holliday

... pleasing if fewer pieces of superfluous furniture were brought in to cover the floors. At any rate, the longed-for furniture may be "saved up for" and bought later; a mistake in floors to start with is hard to rectify. ...

— The Complete Home • Various

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