adj.
Pronunciation: k ə - ' rekt
Function: transitive verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin correctus, past participle of corrigere, from com- + regere to lead straight ― more at RIGHT
Date: 14th century
1 a : to make or set right : AMEND < correct an error> b : COUNTERACT , NEUTRALIZE < correct a harmful tendency> c : to alter or adjust so as to bring to some standard or required condition < correct a lens for spherical aberration>
2 a : to punish (as a child) with a view to reforming or improving b : to point out usually for amendment the errors or faults of <spent the day correct ing tests>
– cor · rect · able \ - ' rek-t ə -b ə l \ adjective
– cor · rec · tor \ - ' rek-t ə r \ noun
synonyms CORRECT , RECTIFY , EMEND , REMEDY , REDRESS , AMEND , REFORM , REVISE mean to make right what is wrong. CORRECT implies taking action to remove errors, faults, deviations, defects < correct your spelling>. RECTIFY implies a more essential changing to make something right, just, or properly controlled or directed < rectify a misguided policy>. EMEND specif. implies correction of a text or manuscript < emend a text>. REMEDY implies removing or making harmless a cause of trouble, harm, or evil <set out to remedy the evils of the world>. REDRESS implies making compensation or reparation for an unfairness, injustice, or imbalance < redress past social injustices>. AMEND , REFORM , REVISE imply an improving by making corrective changes, AMEND usually suggesting slight changes < amend a law>, REFORM implying drastic change <plans to reform the court system>, and REVISE suggesting a careful examination of something and the making of necessary changes < revise the schedule>. synonym see in addition PUNISH