address(redirected from addresses)
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address (one) as
1. To use someone's specific title in speech or writing. It is proper to address her as "Madam Secretary."
2. To treat someone in a certain way. Yes, I'm your friend, but I'm also your boss, so please address me as your superior during work hours.
address (oneself) to
1. To speak to a specific person or group at the exclusion of others. Right now, I'm only addressing myself to the graduating seniors. I'll talk to the other grades tomorrow.
2. To focus on a certain problem or situation. I needed to address myself to the burst pipe in my basement—that's why I didn't attend the dinner party.
address (something) to
1. To direct or express one's thoughts or opinions to a person or group. If you're trying to get donations for the school, address your speech to the parents, not the recent graduates. As these seem to be recurring issues, I need to address the complaints to my whole department.
2. To put the recipient's name and address on a package or envelope to be mailed. Penny addressed the package to her brother before taking it to the post office.
address comments or remarks to someone
to say something directly to a specific person or group of persons. (See also address oneself to someone; address oneself to something.) George addressed his remarks to everyone.
address oneself to someone
to speak directly to a particular person, rather than someone else. I did not address myself to you!
address oneself to something
to turn one's complete attention to something, such as a problem or an issue. (See also address something to someone.) Please address yourself to these current, pressing problems.
address someone asa specific title or attribute
1. to talk to or write to a person, using a particular title. They addressed Abraham Lincoln as "Mr. President."
2. to treat a person you are talking with in a particular manner. You should address him as your equal.
address something to someone
to write someone's name and address on an envelope, package, letter, etc. Gilbert addressed the envelope to Walter.
1. To indicate that something is to be sent to someone or some place by writing an address on it: She addressed the letter to her brother.
2. To say something directly to some specific person or group: The school president addressed the speech to everyone who plans to graduate this year.
3. To focus someone on a problem in order to find a solution. Used reflexively: In the next meeting, the town officials will address themselves to the issue of privacy.