address
address
ad·dress
I
/əˈdrɛs/ verb , -dress·es, -dressed, -dress·ing [ + obj ]
1 : to write on an envelope, package, letter, etc., the name and address of the person or business it is being sent to
I've addressed the letter, but it still needs a stamp.
The package is sealed; it just needs to be addressed.
We spent the afternoon addressing invitations to all our friends.
The letter was returned because it had been addressed incorrectly.
2 a : to speak to (a person or group)
She ignored most of the people at the table, addressing only the man who was sitting next to her.
One of the characters addresses the audience directly throughout the play.
2 b : to use a specified name or title when speaking or writing to (someone)
— + as
As children, we addressed him as “sir” [=we called him “sir”] even though he was only a few years older than us.
You should address the queen as “Your Majesty.”
2 c : to direct (spoken or written words) to someone
She addressed her comments to the man [=she spoke to the man] who was sitting next to her.
Most of the speaker's remarks were addressed to those with experience in the industry.
3 : to give a formal speech to (a group of people)
Before the awards were given, the mayor addressed the crowd.
4 formal : to give attention to (something) : to deal with (a matter, issue, problem, etc.)
We're all curious about how the mayor plans to address the issue.
Air pollution is one of the many problems being addressed by the scientists at the conference.
The principal held a meeting to address the students' concerns.
◇ If you address yourself to an issue or problem you give your attention to it.
The governor is addressing himself to the problem of underfunded schools.
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ad·dress
II
/əˈdrɛs, ˈæˌdrɛs/ noun , pl -dress·es [ count ]
1 a : the words and numbers that are used to describe the location of a building and that are written on letters, envelopes, and packages so that they can be mailed to that location
Write your name, address, and phone number in the spaces provided.
Our address [=the address of our home] is 82 Third Street.
Please deliver the package to my work address. [=the address of the building where I work]
I forgot to put the return address [=the address of the person sending the letter] on the envelope.
1 b : the letters, numbers, and symbols that are used to direct an e-mail message or to show the location of a site on the Internet
an e-mail address
a Web address
2 : a formal speech
We listened to the President's inaugural address on the radio.
She was asked to give/deliver a formal address at the ceremony.
— see also keynote address, public address system
form/term of address
: a word, name, or title that is used when speaking or writing to someone
“Honey” is an affectionate term of address in U.S. English.
