'address' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'adrecier,' where 'a-' meant 'to' and 'drecier' meant 'straighten.'

'adrecier' transformed into the Middle English word 'addresse,' and eventually became the modern English word 'address.'

Initially, it meant 'to direct or straighten,' but over time it evolved into its current meanings of 'location' and 'speak to.'