selfaddressed

Self-addressed is an adjective used to describe something that is addressed to the person who created or sent it. In postal and mailing contexts, a self-addressed item is designed to be returned to the sender, typically bearing the sender’s name and address and often prepaid postage.

Common usage includes self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) or self-addressed return envelope. Recipients are invited or required to include such items so they can respond or return materials without the sender having to pay postage. The concept also appears in context of submissions to publishers, journals, or organizations, where a self-addressed enclosure facilitates replies or the return of materials.

Historically, self-addressed enclosures were widespread before the rise of electronic communication, and they remain in use in certain circumstances such as requesting information, returning forms, or supplying press kits.

Spelling and variants: The standard form is self-addressed, with a hyphen. Some sources may show the word as a single unhyphenated form or as a nonstandard variant, but the hyphenated form is preferred in contemporary usage.

See also

- self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE)

- self-addressed return envelope

- return envelope

- mail etiquette