address

/əˈdrɛs/
noun, verbIntermediate
formal

The place where someone lives or a building is located, including the street name, number, and sometimes additional details like city or postal code.

Please provide your home address for delivery.

The company's headquarters is at 123 Business Avenue, New York.

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In formal contexts, always include the full address for clarity.

formal

To speak to someone directly, often in a formal or public setting.

The president will address the nation tonight.

She addressed the crowd with a powerful speech.

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When used as a verb, it often implies a formal or official communication.

general

To deal with a problem or situation, often by taking action.

We need to address the issue of climate change.

The manager addressed the team's concerns in the meeting.

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This usage is common in both formal and informal contexts.

Collocations

home addressthe place where someone livesaddress the issueto deal with a problemspeak to an audienceto address a crowd

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

address the elephant in the roomidiom
to confront an obvious but ignored issue

💡Pro Tip

Noun vs. Verb

Pay attention to context to distinguish between 'address' as a location (noun) and as an action (verb).

Gold Rule

Formal vs. Informal

Use 'address' as a verb in formal contexts, such as speeches or official communications.

📖Word Origin

From Middle English *adressen*, from Old French *adresser*, from Vulgar Latin *ad directiare* (to direct toward).

📝Usage Notes

As a noun, 'address' refers to a location. As a verb, it means to speak to someone or deal with a problem. Context usually clarifies the meaning.

Word Breakdown

ad-
to, toward
prefix
+
-dress
to direct or arrange
root
English Dictionary