The difference between Rectify and Reform

When used as verbs, rectify means to heal (an organ or part of the body), whereas reform means to put into a new and improved form or condition.


Reform is also noun with the meaning: the change of something that is defective, broken, inefficient or otherwise negative, in order to correct or improve it.

check bellow for the other definitions of Rectify and Reform

  1. Rectify as a verb (obsolete, transitive):

    To heal (an organ or part of the body).

  2. Rectify as a verb (transitive):

    To restore (someone or something) to its proper condition; to straighten out, to set right.

  3. Rectify as a verb (transitive):

    To remedy or fix (an undesirable state of affairs, situation etc.).

  4. Rectify as a verb (transitive, chemistry):

    To purify or refine (a substance) by distillation.

  5. Rectify as a verb (transitive):

    To correct or amend (a mistake, defect etc.).

  6. Rectify as a verb (transitive, now, rare):

    To correct (someone who is mistaken).

  7. Rectify as a verb (transitive, geodesy, now, historical):

    To adjust (a globe or sundial) to prepare for the solution of a proposed problem.

  8. Rectify as a verb (transitive, electronics):

    To convert (alternating current) into direct current.

  9. Rectify as a verb (transitive, math):

    To determine the length of a curve included between two limits.

  10. Rectify as a verb (transitive):

    To produce (as factitious gin or brandy) by redistilling bad wines or strong spirits (whisky, rum, etc.) with flavourings.

  1. Reform as a noun:

    The change of something that is defective, broken, inefficient or otherwise negative, in order to correct or improve it

    Examples:

    "The elections need to undergo a serious reform."

    "A major reform is needed to improve the efficiency in the factory."

  1. Reform as a verb (transitive):

    To put into a new and improved form or condition; to restore to a former good state, or bring from bad to good; to change from worse to better

    Examples:

    "to reform a profligate man; to reform corrupt manners or morals; to reform a criminal"

  2. Reform as a verb (intransitive):

    To return to a good state; to amend or correct one's own character or habits

    Examples:

    "It is hoped that many criminals, upon being freed, will eventually reform."

  3. Reform as a verb (transitive, intransitive):

    To form again or in a new configuration.

    Examples:

    "This product contains reformed meat."

    "The regiment reformed after surviving the first attack."

    "The pop group reformed for one final tour."