How to Spell Address
Is it adress, or address?
Common Misspellings:
📊 Google Trends: Avg 76.5 daily searches (Sept-Dec 2025) - #1 most-searched spelling question worldwide
You're Not Alone
This is the most commonly misspelled word in English according to validated Google Trends data. With 76.5 daily searches worldwide and peaks exceeding 100, it's clear that even confident writers second-guess this spelling. The confusion is understandable - and completely fixable with the right memory trick.
Why This Mistake Happens
Single vs. double 'D' confusion: When you say "address" out loud, the double-D isn't stressed. The pronunciation sounds like "uh-DRESS," which makes it easy to think it's spelled with just one D.
Visual similarity to other languages: Many European languages spell it with a single D - "adres" in Dutch and Afrikaans, "adress" in Swedish and Norwegian. If you've seen these spellings, your brain might default to the single-D version.
The compound isn't obvious: Unless you know that "address" comes from AD (to) + DRESS (arrange), the double-D pattern seems random. Once you see the structure, it makes perfect sense.
Word Origin
"Address" entered English in the 14th century from Old French "adresser" (to direct, arrange). The French word came from the Vulgar Latin phrase "ad directiare" meaning "to make straight" or "to direct toward." The word originally meant "to prepare oneself" or "to direct one's attention," and only later developed the meaning of a physical location where someone can be found.
Etymology Path:
Vulgar Latin ad directiare → Old French adresser → Modern English address
The Spelling Trick
"I saw an AD for a DRESS at this ADDRESS"
Why it works: This spelling trick shows you the building blocks - AD + DRESS = ADDRESS. The narrative (seeing an ad for a dress) creates a concrete visual scene that's easy to remember and retell.
How to use it: When you're typing or writing "address" and hesitate, recall the scene: "I saw an AD for a DRESS at this ADDRESS." The story structure ensures you remember both parts (AD + DRESS) and therefore both D's.
Examples in Context
Professional: "Please send the invoice to my business address."
Casual: "What's your address? I'll drop by tomorrow."
Academic: "The CEO will address the shareholders at the annual meeting."
Technical: "Enter your email address to create an account."
Formal: "The President will address the nation tonight on climate policy."
Common Mistakes to Avoid
✗ adress - Single D (most common error, influenced by other languages)
✗ addres - Missing final S (typing error)
✗ addresse - Extra E at the end (confusion with French "adresse")
Quick tip: If you're unsure, remember the building blocks: AD + DRESS. Each part contributes one D, giving you the double-D spelling. Think of it like stacking blocks - both pieces stay intact when combined.