addressed

Addressed is the past participle of address and appears in several distinct senses in English. As a verb, it means to speak to or direct attention to a person or issue. For example, “The mayor addressed the crowd” shows speaking to an audience, while “The report addresses several concerns” indicates dealing with a topic. It can also mean to reply to or deal with a matter, as in addressing a complaint.

As a transitive verb, addressed can mean to direct mail or other correspondence to a recipient. A letter or package may be described as addressed to a particular person, organization, or address.

As an adjective, addressed describes something that has a destination or recipient written on it. Common examples include an addressed envelope or an addressed label, where the intended recipient is clearly indicated. The term can also apply to rhetoric or writing aimed at a specific audience, as in a speech addressed to students.

In computing and telecommunications, addressing refers to assigning locations or endpoints in memory or networks. A message or packet may be described as addressed to a particular address, indicating its intended destination.

Etymology and usage notes: addressed derives from address, which originated in Old French adresser, from Latin ad- “to” + dirigere “to direct.” The form has long been used across formal and informal registers to indicate directing attention, directing mail, or indicating recipients.