rectificar
“rectificar” means “to correct” in Spanish (fixing a mistake or error).
to correct, to rectify
Also: to set right, to straighten
📝 In Action
El periódico tuvo que rectificar la noticia al día siguiente.
B1The newspaper had to correct the news story the following day.
Es de sabios rectificar cuando uno se equivoca.
B2It is wise to correct oneself when one is wrong.
El conductor rectificó la dirección del coche para evitar el bache.
B2The driver adjusted the car's direction to avoid the pothole.
Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Indicative
Preterite
Imperfect
Present
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: rectificar
Question 1 of 3
Which of the following is the correct 'yo' form in the past tense (preterite)?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin 'rectificare', which combines 'rectus' (straight/right) and 'facere' (to make). Literally 'to make right'.
First recorded: 15th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'rectificar' different from 'corregir'?
They are very similar. 'Corregir' is a general term for fixing anything (like a teacher correcting homework). 'Rectificar' is often used when someone changes a previous statement or adjusts a physical path.
Does this word have a spelling change?
Yes, but only to keep the sound the same. The 'c' becomes 'qu' whenever the ending starts with 'e' (like in 'rectifiqué' or 'rectifique').
Can I use 'rectificar' for physical objects?
Yes, you can 'rectificar' a line, a mechanical part, or the path of a vehicle to make it straight or properly aligned.