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Glite Dictionary
form of address

form of address

1 3.4
A way of speaking used when you talk to someone to show their title or relationship
  • noun
  • /fɔrm əv əˈdrɛs/
translation icon : título
  • "And while that is most flattering, the proper form of address when speaking to me would simply be 'sir.'"
  • using the form of address

Examples

  • In formal settings, using the correct form of address is essential to show respect.

  • The appropriate form of address for the president is 'Mr. President.'

  • And I remember thinking how odd this form of address seemed.

    Fiction book (1991)

  • Coparents used this form of address in their written communication.

    Academic text (1995)

  • She had not used that form of address with him since she had been twelve.

    Fiction book (1990)

  • If my son is elected, the correct form of address for him will be "the Honorable Dexter Barrows."

    Fiction book (1999)

  • "Rinpoche," Shan whispered, using the form of address for a revered teacher.

    Fiction book (2002)

  • The form of address was brusque, lacking in any term of endearment ("Shalom, Olga.")

    Fiction book (1993)

  • When writing to a judge, the proper form of address is 'Your Honor.'

Synonyms

title
vsform of address
513 2.1

A name that shows a person's rank, job or honor

is used specifically when speaking to someone to show relationship not broad status
honorific
vsform of address
  • Formal
2 7.9

A title or form of address that shows respect

focuses on indicating status or relationship rather than respect
title of respect
vsform of address
3.2

A word like Mr or Doctor that people use with a name to show respect

indicates status, rank, or relationship without stressing respect

How Formal

title
513 2.1
honorific
  • Formal
2 7.9
Mr
  • UK
∞ 1.0
form of address
1 3.4
first name
178 1.0
nickname
  • Informal
262 1.1

Surface Forms

form of address singular
forms of address plural

Morphology

form + of + address

The meaning 'a word or phrase used to address someone' is directly composed from 'form' (a type or way) + 'address' (manner of speaking/to someone), so the MWE's sense is a straightforward combination of its parts. This compositional pattern is common cross-linguistically and would be predictable to a B1 learner who knows the constituent meanings and the context.

Etymology

Form of address may come from the simple idea of a fixed form, or set way, you use to address someone, like choosing the right greeting for a meeting. So, it means the word or phrase you use to show someone's position or relationship, for example 'Mr.' or 'Dr.'.