address oneself to

address (oneself) to (someone or something)

1. To speak to a specific person or group at the exclusion of others. Right now, I'm only addressing myself to the graduating seniors. I'll talk to the other grades tomorrow.2. To focus on a certain problem or situation. I needed to address myself to the burst pipe in my basement—that's why I didn't attend the dinner party.See also: address

address oneself to someone

to speak directly to a particular person, rather than someone else. I did not address myself to you!See also: address

address oneself to something

to turn one's complete attention to something, such as a problem or an issue. (See also something to someone">address something to someone.) Please address yourself to these current, pressing problems.See also: address