address
UK: əˈdres | US: əˈdres
n. a formal speech or written communication directed to a specific audience
n. the particulars of the place where someone lives or an organization is situated
vt. to speak or write to someone formally
vt. to direct one's attention to a problem or issue
address = ad<to, toward> + dress<direct, arrange>
- ad (Latin prefix meaning "to" or "toward")
- dress (from Old French dresser, meaning "to arrange, direct, or set straight")
Etymology Origin:
The word address originates from the Latin ad- (toward) combined with directiare, a Vulgar Latin derivative of dirigere (to direct). Through Old French adrecier, it evolved into Middle English adressen, meaning "to guide or prepare." Over time, it expanded to signify both the act of directing speech or writing to someone and the physical location where one resides. The dual meanings reflect the word’s logical progression from "directing attention" to "specifying a place or recipient."
She will address the audience at the conference tomorrow.
Please write your full address on the application form.
The mayor addressed the city’s housing crisis in his speech.
The package was returned because the address was incorrect.
He addressed his concerns directly to the manager.