Looking up...
address
/əˈdrɛs/
location details
Please enter your shipping address.
A request for the exact location where something should be delivered.
formal
The specific location where someone lives or an organization is situated.
The company's address is 123 Main Street, New York.
The company is located at 123 Main Street in New York City.
Includes street number, city, postal code, and country.
formal
A formal speech or written statement addressed to an audience.
The president delivered an address to the nation.
The president gave a formal speech to all citizens.
Often used in political or ceremonial contexts.
neutral
To speak or write to someone directly.
She addressed the letter to her grandmother.
She wrote the letter with her grandmother as the recipient.
Can also mean directing attention to a problem or issue.
neutral
To deal with or handle a problem or issue.
The manager will address the customer complaints.
The manager will resolve or respond to the complaints.
Common in professional or organizational settings.
Collocations
mailing addressthe address where mail is sentemail addressthe address for electronic mailhome addressthe address where someone livesaddress booka book for storing contact details
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Distinguishing noun and verb uses
As a noun, 'address' refers to a location or a speech. As a verb, it means to speak to someone, send mail, or handle a problem. Context determines the meaning.
Gold Rule
Prepositions with 'address'
Use 'to' when addressing a person or sending mail (e.g., 'addressed the letter to her'). Use 'on' or 'in' when discussing a topic (e.g., 'addressed on climate change').
Word Origin
From Old French *adrecier* (to direct), from *à* (to) + *drecer* (to straighten, direct), from Vulgar Latin *directiare*, from Latin *directus* (straight, direct).
Usage Notes
The verb 'address' can take different prepositions depending on context: 'address someone' (speak to), 'address a problem' (deal with), 'address a letter to someone' (send mail).
Word Breakdown
ad-
to, toward
prefix-dress
to set straight, direct
rootEnglish Dictionary