Addressively

Part of speech: adverb

Definitions

1. A manner of speaking that involves addressing someone directly or engaging them in conversation
2. Pertaining to the style or approach of contacting someone, often with a focus on communication
3. Relating to expressions or gestures aimed at addressing another individual in dialogue or discourse

Etymology: "Addressively" is formed from the adjective "addressive" plus the adverbial suffix "-ly". The adjective is built on the verb "address," which English borrowed from Old French "adrecier" (to direct, set right), itself from Latin roots meaning "to make straight toward." Over time "address" developed the sense of speaking or writing to someone, and "addressive" grew out of that conversational sense. The adjective "addressive" is recorded in English dictionaries as meaning suited to addressing someone, and the adverb simply describes doing something in that manner. The word is a transparent formation rather than a historical curiosity: each part carries its meaning straight through to the whole. Its rarity is the main thing that sets it apart from more familiar words built the same way, such as "impressively" or "expressively."

Synonyms: directly, formally, explicitly, purposefully, intentionally

Antonyms: indirectly, vaguely, unclearly, haphazardly, randomly