Ratify is used to confirm something. Rectify is used to fix something.
Both are very similar words, but they have very different meanings. Therefore, many people use them in the wrong contexts, exchanging one word for another.
When to use ratify
Ratifying means confirming, for example, ratifying information.
If someone publishes information about a current topic and another person ratifies the information provided, let everyone more secure, especially if the person confirming the information is someone who gives evidence of their knowledge of the subject matter.
Examples:
- The result of the analysis was ratified by experts.
- We ratify the need for frequent hand hygiene.
- We will ratify everything that was said in an official document.
Synonyms of ratify: confirm, validate, authenticate, verify.
When to use rectify
To rectify means to correct, for example, to rectify an error.
It is possible that you have already been there. Imagine that after a work is ready, including bound to deliver to the teacher, you find an error that needs to be corrected. In order not to risk getting a lower grade, you should make a correction.
Examples:
- Content was rectified after printing.
- Templates will be rectified throughout the day.
- I will rectify the opinion before sending it to the authorities.
Synonyms of rectify: correct, amend.
Phrases with the words ratify and rectify
Ratify
- His speech confirms who is the main culprit of the price increase.
- I confirm that the appointments are scheduled for the requested date.
- The agreement must be ratified by the end of the month.
- Ratifying what was said last week, he proposed the creation of a working group.
- The purchase promise was ratified.
Rectify
- He rectified the statement he made a moment ago, after receiving the call from Brasília.
- According to the lawyer, this document needs correction.
- The agency is correcting all material before it is sent to print.
- The form will be rectified later today.
- We have to rectify the handouts as soon as possible.
Ratify or rectify? Check out the tip!
To make it easier, remember that ratifying confirms and rectifying corrects, ie:
ratify right (if something is right, I confirm)
rectify wrong (if something is wrong, correct)
Watch the video:
Ratify and rectify are paronyms. This means that they are similar in pronunciation and writing, but despite these similarities, they have different meanings.
Read too:
- The biggest mistakes in Portuguese you have to stop making
- Spelling Exercises
- Homonyms and Paronyms