I. verb
1.
Synonyms: direct 2, aim, cast, incline, lay, level, point, train, turn, zero (in)
2.
Synonyms: send 1, consign, dispatch, forward, remit, route, ship, transmit
3.
to occupy (oneself or one's attention or efforts) with something
addressed himself to the job and soon finished it
Synonyms: apply, bend, buckle (down), devote, direct, give, throw, turn
Related Word: associate, connect, couple, link, relate; aim, level, point
Idioms: bring (oneself) into relation with something, tax (one's energies) with something
Contrasted words: disregard, ignore, overlook
4.
to communicate directly to or with
addressed the governor with his petition
Synonyms: accost, apply (to), approach, bespeak, memorialize
Related Word: speak (to), talk (with); appeal (to); apostrophize; petition
Contrasted words: ignore, overlook, pass up, slight; avoid, cut, disregard
5.
Synonyms: talk 7, lecture, prelect, speak
6.
to affix directions for delivery
address a letter
Synonyms: direct, superscribe
7.
to seek the attention of usually orally and in order to gain recognition
address a stranger to ask directions
Synonyms: accost, call (to), greet, hail, salute
Related Word: converse, speak, talk
Idioms: attract one's attention
8.
to direct one's attention to in the role of a suitor
ready to marry the first man that addressed her
Synonyms: court, make up (to), pursue, spark, sue, sweetheart, woo
Related Word: attend, escort, squire; neck, pet, romance, rush, smooch, spoon
Idioms: make a play for, pay (one's) addresses to, run after
II. noun
1.
the quality or state of being ready or skillful
to bring off such a coup requires address
Synonyms: adroitness, deftness, dexterity, dexterousness, prowess, readiness, skill, sleight; compare tact
Related Word: competence, efficiency, expertise, know-how, proficiency; craft, finesse; ingeniousness, ingenuity, resourcefulness
Contrasted words: inadequacy, ineptitude, ineptness, unskillfulness; awkwardness, clumsiness, gawkiness, lubberliness, stupidity
2.
Synonyms: tact , delicatesse, diplomacy, poise, savoir faire, tactfulness
Related Word: dexterity, ease, facility; cleverness, readiness; affability, graciousness
Contrasted words: awkwardness, clumsiness, gaucheness; boorishness, churlishness
Antonyms: maladroitness
3.
Synonyms: bearing 1, air, comportment, demeanor, deportment, mien, port, presence, set
4.
Synonyms: speech 2, allocution, lecture, talk