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address

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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.

See also: address

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.

See also: address

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.

See also: address

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.

See also: address, comment, remark

address oneself to someone

to speak directly to a particular person, rather than someone else. I did not address myself to you!

See also: address

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.

See also: address

address someone as

 a 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.

See also: address

address something to someone

to write someone's name and address on an envelope, package, letter, etc. Gilbert addressed the envelope to Walter.

See also: address

address to

v.

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.

See also: address