Vocabulary Spotlight

Address

Part of Speech: Verb / Noun

Definition: To speak to someone or deal with a matter (verb); a formal speech or location information (noun).

“The manager addressed the staff’s concerns during the meeting.”

Pronunciation

[uh-DRES] (verb) / [AD-res] (noun)

Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words

Synonyms

Deal with
Approach
Speak to
Handle
Tackle

Antonyms

Ignore
Neglect
Overlook
Disregard
Avoid

Related Words

Response
Communication
Focus

Word Origin

“Address” originates from the Old French “adrecier,” meaning “to go straight toward” or “set right.”

Word Family

Verb: Address – To deal with or speak to.

Noun: Address – A formal speech or location details.

Adjective: Addressable – Able to be addressed or dealt with.

Mnemonics

Think “A Dress Code to Follow” – To address a matter is to tackle it directly.

Industry-specific Usage

Public Speaking

In speeches, to address an audience means to communicate or present formally.

Technology

In IT, address refers to a unique location or identifier, like an IP address.

Business

In business, to address concerns or issues means to handle or resolve them.

In Context

Address is versatile, used for dealing with matters directly, delivering formal speeches, or specifying a location or unique identifier.

Vocabulary Challenges

1. Which is a synonym of “Address” (verb)?

Ignore
Avoid
Handle
Overlook

‘Handle’ is correct as it means to deal with or manage something.

2. Fill in the blank: The manager needed to _______ the customer complaints immediately.

address
ignore
avoid
overlook

‘Address’ is appropriate as it refers to handling or dealing with complaints.

3. In which context would “address” be MOST appropriate?

Avoiding a topic
Resolving a pressing issue
Disregarding feedback
Ignoring instructions

‘Resolving a pressing issue’ is correct as address means to handle or confront an issue.