Address vs. Handle — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 6, 2024
"Address" often refers to speaking to someone or dealing with a topic directly, whereas "handle" implies managing or controlling a situation or object.
Difference Between Address and Handle
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
When someone uses the term "address," it typically involves direct communication or confrontation, such as addressing a crowd or a concern. On the other hand, to "handle" something often means to manage or control it, which can include a variety of actions from manipulating physical objects to dealing with complex situations.
Addressing an issue usually implies a focus on communication and resolution, suggesting a verbal or formal approach to dealing with problems, whereas handling an issue might involve practical, hands-on strategies or actions.
In professional contexts, to address a meeting means to give a speech or presentation, highlighting the communicative aspect, while to handle a meeting might involve organizing, managing the flow, or resolving conflicts during the event.
In terms of nuance, "address" carries a more formal or dignified connotation, often used in official or serious contexts, while "handle" is more versatile and can be applied in both casual and serious settings.
Comparison Chart
Definition
To speak to, direct communication
To manage, control, or manipulate
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Usage Context
Formal, communicative settings
Broad, including practical actions
Implication
Verbal resolution, formality
Practical management, versatility
Example in Profession
Addressing an audience
Handling logistics
Connotation
Formal, serious
Casual or serious, versatile
Compare with Definitions
Address
Confronting an issue openly.
She decided to address the rumors head-on.
Handle
To control or operate something.
Can you handle the machinery properly?
Address
To deal with a matter or problem.
The council promised to address the issue of parking.
Handle
To cope with or manage emotionally.
She handles stress exceptionally well.
Address
To direct one's efforts towards something.
The team addressed the project's challenges efficiently.
Handle
To manage or deal with a situation.
She handles the marketing campaigns.
Address
Formal communication or speech.
Her address at the conference was well-received.
Handle
To manipulate or use an object.
He handled the tools with expertise.
Address
To speak to someone directly.
He will address the board during the next meeting.
Handle
To take care of or be responsible for.
He handles all our IT needs.
Address
An address is a collection of information, presented in a mostly fixed format, used to give the location of a building, apartment, or other structure or a plot of land, generally using political boundaries and street names as references, along with other identifiers such as house or apartment numbers and organization name. Some addresses also contain special codes, such as a postal code, to make identification easier and aid in the routing of mail.
Handle
A handle is a part of, or attachment to, an object that allows it to be grasped and manipulated by hand. The design of each type of handle involves substantial ergonomic issues, even where these are dealt with intuitively or by following tradition.
Address
The particulars of the place where someone lives or an organization is situated
They exchanged addresses and agreed to keep in touch
Handle
To touch, lift, or hold with the hands
You should wash your hands before you handle food.
Address
A formal speech delivered to an audience
An address to the European Parliament
Handle
To operate with the hands; manipulate
Can handle a jigsaw.
Address
Skill, dexterity, or readiness
He rescued me with the most consummate address
Handle
To deal with or have responsibility for; conduct
Handles matters of corporate law.
Address
Write the name and address of the intended recipient on (an envelope, letter, or parcel)
I addressed my letter to him personally
Handle
To cope with or dispose of
Handles problems efficiently.
Address
Speak to (a person or an assembly)
She addressed the open-air meeting
Handle
To direct, execute, or dispose of
Handle an investment.
Address
Think about and begin to deal with (an issue or problem)
A fundamental problem has still to be addressed
Handle
To manage, administer to, or represent
Handle a boxer.
Address
Take up one's stance and prepare to hit (the ball)
Ensure that your weight is evenly spread when you address the ball
Handle
To deal or trade in the purchase or sale of
A branch office that handles grain exports.
Address
To speak to
Addressed me in low tones.
Handle
To act or function in a given way while in operation
A car that handles well in the snow.
Address
To make a formal speech to
Addressed the union members at the convention.
Handle
A part that is designed to be held or operated with the hand
The handle of a suitcase.
The handle of a faucet.
Address
To call (a person to whom one is speaking) by a particular name or term
Address the judge as "Your Honor.".
Handle
A means of understanding or control
Has a handle on the situation.
Address
To direct (a spoken or written message) to the attention of
Address a protest to the faculty senate.
Handle
(Slang) A person's name.
Address
To mark with a destination
Address a letter.
Handle
An alternate name or nickname, especially one chosen for self-identification on online forums or citizens band radio.
Address
To direct the efforts or attention of (oneself)
Address oneself to a task.
Handle
(Games) The total amount of money bet on an event or over a set period of time.
Address
To begin to deal with
Addressed the issue of taxes.
Handle
The part of an object which is (designed to be) held in the hand when used or moved.
Address
To dispatch or consign (a ship, for example) to an agent or factor.
Handle
An instrument for effecting a purpose (either literally or figuratively); a tool, or an opportunity or pretext.
Address
(Sports) To adjust and aim the club at (a golf ball) in preparing for a stroke.
Handle
(gambling) The gross amount of wagering within a given period of time or for a given event at one of more establishments.
The daily handle of a Las Vegas casino is typically millions of dollars.
Address
A description of the location of a person or organization, as written or printed on mail as directions for delivery
Wrote the address on the envelope.
Handle
(textiles) The tactile qualities of a fabric, e.g., softness, firmness, elasticity, fineness, resilience, and other qualities perceived by touch.
Address
The location at which a particular organization or person may be found or reached
Went to her address but no one was home.
Handle
(slang) A name, nickname or pseudonym.
Address
A name or a sequence of characters that designates an email account or a specific site on the internet or other network.
Handle
(slang) A title attached to one's name, such as Doctor or Colonel.
The successful businessman was knighted and acquired a handle to his name.
Address
A name or number used in information storage or retrieval assigned to or identifying a specific memory location.
Handle
(computing) A reference to an object or structure that can be stored in a variable.
This article describes how to find the module name from the window handle.
Address
A formal speech or written communication.
Handle
A 10 fluid ounce (285 mL) glass of beer.
Address
Often addresses Courteous attentions.
Handle
(US) A half-gallon (1.75-liter) bottle of alcohol.
Address
The manner or bearing of a person, especially in conversation.
Handle
A point, an extremity of land.
The Handle of the Sug in Newfoundland
Address
Skill, deftness, or grace in dealing with people or situations
"With the charms of beauty she combined the address of an accomplished intriguer" (Charles Merivale).
Handle
(topology) A topological space homeomorphic to a ball but viewed as a product of two lower-dimensional balls.
Address
Direction.
Handle
(algebraic geometry) The smooth, irreducible subcurve of a comb which connects to each of the other components in exactly one point.
Address
(obsolete) Guidance; help.
Handle
(transitive) To touch; to feel or hold with the hand(s).
Address
A polite approach made to another person, especially of a romantic nature; an amorous advance.
Handle
To accustom to the hand; to take care of with the hands.
Address
A manner of speaking or writing to another; language, style.
A man of pleasing or insinuating address
Handle
(transitive) To manage, use, or wield with the hands.
Address
A formal approach to a sovereign, especially an official appeal or petition; later specifically a response given by each of the Houses of Parliament to the sovereign's speech at the opening of Parliament.
Handle
(transitive) To manage, control, or direct.
Address
An act of addressing oneself to a person or group; a discourse or speech, or a record of this.
Handle
(transitive) To treat, to deal with (in a specified way).
She handled the news with grace
The Persians handled the French ambassador shamefully
Address
A description of the location of a property, usually with at least a street name and number, name of a town, and now also a postal code; such a description as superscribed for direction on an envelope or letter.
The President's address is 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington, D.C.
Handle
(transitive) To deal with (a subject, argument, topic, or theme) in speaking, in writing, or in art.
Address
(by extension) The property itself.
I went to his address but there was nobody there.
Handle
(transitive) To receive and transfer; to have pass through one's hands; hence, to buy and sell.
A merchant handles a variety of goods, or a large stock
Address
(computing) A number identifying a specific storage location in computer memory; a string of characters identifying a location on the internet or other network; sometimes specifically an e-mail address.
The program will crash if there is no valid data stored at that address.
Handle
To be concerned with; to be an expert in.
Address
Preparation.
Handle
(transitive) To put up with; to endure (and continue to function).
I can't handle this hot weather.
Address
Preparedness for some task; resourcefulness; skill, ability.
Handle
(intransitive) To use the hands.
Address
(obsolete) The act of getting ready; preparation.
Handle
To illegally touch the ball with the hand or arm; to commit handball.
Address
The act of bringing the head of the club up to the ball in preparation for swinging.
Handle
(intransitive) To behave in a particular way when handled (managed, controlled, directed).
The car handles well
Address
To prepare oneself.
Handle
To touch; to feel with the hand; to use or hold with the hand.
Handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh.
About his altar, handling holy things.
Address
To direct speech.
Handle
To manage in using, as a spade or a musket; to wield; often, to manage skillfully.
That fellow handles his bow like a crowkeeper.
Address
To aim; to direct.
Handle
To accustom to the hand; to work upon, or take care of, with the hands.
The hardness of the winters forces the breeders to house and handle their colts six months every year.
Address
To prepare or make ready.
Handle
To receive and transfer; to have pass through one's hands; hence, to buy and sell; as, a merchant handles a variety of goods, or a large stock.
Address
To prepare oneself; to apply one's skill or energies (to some object); to betake.
Handle
To deal with; to make a business of.
They that handle the law knew me not.
Address
(reflexive) To direct one’s remarks (to someone).
Handle
To treat; to use, well or ill.
How wert thou handled being prisoner?
Address
To clothe or array; to dress.
Handle
To manage; to control; to practice skill upon.
You shall see how I will handle her.
Address
(transitive) To direct, as words (to anyone or anything); to make, as a speech, petition, etc. (to any audience).
He addressed some portions of his remarks to his supporters, some to his opponents.
Handle
To use or manage in writing or speaking; to treat, as a theme, an argument, or an objection.
We will handle what persons are apt to envy others.
Address
(transitive) To direct speech to; to make a communication to, whether spoken or written; to apply to by words, as by a speech, petition, etc., to speak to.
Handle
To use the hands.
They have hands, but they handle not.
Address
(transitive) To direct in writing, as a letter; to superscribe, or to direct and transmit.
He addressed a letter.
Handle
That part of vessels, instruments, etc., which is held in the hand when used or moved, as the haft of a sword, the knob of a door, the bail of a kettle, etc.
Address
(transitive) To make suit to as a lover; to court; to woo.
Handle
That of which use is made; the instrument for effecting a purpose; a tool.
Address
(transitive) To consign or entrust to the care of another, as agent or factor.
The ship was addressed to a merchant in Baltimore.
Handle
The appendage to an object that is designed to be held in order to use or move it;
He grabbed the hammer by the handle
It was an old briefcase but it still had a good grip
Address
(transitive) To address oneself to; to prepare oneself for; to apply oneself to; to direct one's speech, discourse or efforts to.
Handle
Be in charge of, act on, or dispose of;
I can deal with this crew of workers
This blender can't handle nuts
She managed her parents' affairs after they got too old
Address
To direct attention towards a problem or obstacle, in an attempt to resolve it.
Handle
Interact in a certain way;
Do right by her
Treat him with caution, please
Handle the press reporters gently
Address
To refer to a location in computer memory.
Handle
Deal with verbally or in some form of artistic expression;
This book deals with incest
The course covered all of Western Civilization
The new book treats the history of China
Address
To get ready to hit (the ball on the tee).
Handle
Touch, lift, or hold with the hands;
Don't handle the merchandise
Address
To aim; to direct.
And this good knight his way with me addrest.
Handle
Handle effectively;
The burglar wielded an axe
Address
To prepare or make ready.
His foe was soon addressed.
Turnus addressed his men to single fight.
The five foolish virgins addressed themselves at the noise of the bridegroom's coming.
Handle
Show and train;
The prize-winning poodle was handled by Mrs. Priscilla Prescott
Address
Reflexively: To prepare one's self; to apply one's skill or energies (to some object); to betake.
These men addressed themselves to the task.
Address
To clothe or array; to dress.
Tecla . . . addressed herself in man's apparel.
Address
To direct, as words (to any one or any thing); to make, as a speech, petition, etc. (to any one, an audience).
The young hero had addressed his players to him for his assistance.
Address
To direct speech to; to make a communication to, whether spoken or written; to apply to by words, as by a speech, petition, etc., to speak to; to accost.
Are not your orders to address the senate?
The representatives of the nation addressed the king.
Address
To direct in writing, as a letter; to superscribe, or to direct and transmit; as, he addressed a letter.
Address
To make suit to as a lover; to court; to woo.
Address
To consign or intrust to the care of another, as agent or factor; as, the ship was addressed to a merchant in Baltimore.
Address
To prepare one's self.
Address
To direct speech.
Young Turnus to the beauteous maid addrest.
Address
Act of preparing one's self.
Address
Act of addressing one's self to a person; verbal application.
Address
A formal communication, either written or spoken; a discourse; a speech; a formal application to any one; a petition; a formal statement on some subject or special occasion; as, an address of thanks, an address to the voters.
Address
Direction or superscription of a letter, or the name, title, and place of residence of the person addressed.
Address
Manner of speaking to another; delivery; as, a man of pleasing or insinuating address.
Address
Attention in the way one's addresses to a lady.
Address
Skill; skillful management; dexterity; adroitness.
Address
(computer science) the code that identifies where a piece of information is stored
Address
The place where a person or organization can be found or communicated with
Address
The act of delivering a formal spoken communication to an audience;
He listened to an address on minor Roman poets
Address
The manner of speaking to another individual;
He failed in his manner of address to the captain
Address
A sign in front of a house or business carrying the conventional form by which its location is described
Address
Written directions for finding some location; written on letters or packages that are to be delivered to that location
Address
The stance assumed by a golfer in preparation for hitting a golf ball
Address
Social skill
Address
Speak to;
He addressed the crowd outside the window
Address
Give a speech to;
The chairman addressed the board of trustees
Address
Put an address on (an envelope, for example)
Address
Direct a question at someone
Address
Address or apply oneself to something, direct one's efforts towards something, such as a question
Address
Greet, as with a prescribed form, title, or name;
He always addresses me with `Sir'
Call me Mister
She calls him by first name
Address
Access or locate by address
Address
Deal with verbally or in some form of artistic expression;
This book deals with incest
The course covered all of Western Civilization
The new book treats the history of China
Address
Speak to someone
Address
Adjust and aim (a golf ball) at in preparation fo hitting
Common Curiosities
Does "address" imply a solution to the problem?
"Address" implies beginning to deal with a problem, often through discussion or acknowledgment, but it does not necessarily imply a solution is reached.
What are typical scenarios where "address" is more appropriate than "handle"?
"Address" is more appropriate in scenarios requiring formal communication, such as speeches, public statements, or discussing sensitive issues.
Which term is seen as more proactive?
"Handle" is generally seen as more proactive because it involves taking control and managing situations actively.
Is "addressing" a person different from "handling" a person?
Yes, "addressing" a person involves direct communication, typically speaking to them, while "handling" a person may involve managing the relationship or interactions more broadly, often implying tact or diplomacy.
Can both terms be applied in conflict resolution?
Yes, both can be applied: "address" when discussing the conflict or bringing it into the open, and "handle" when actively managing or resolving the conflict.
Are there contexts where "handle" and "address" can be used interchangeably?
In some informal contexts, especially when discussing problem-solving in general terms, "handle" and "address" might be used interchangeably, though nuances differ.
What are the historical origins of "address" and "handle"?
"Address" comes from a Latin word meaning "to direct one's speech or written word toward," while "handle" comes from the Old English "handlian," meaning "to touch, feel, or manipulate with the hands."
Can "handle" be associated with physical objects only?
While "handle" can refer to physical manipulation, it also broadly applies to managing situations, tasks, or responsibilities.
How do the terms "address" and "handle" relate to leadership?
In leadership, "address" often involves communicating goals, feedback, or concerns, whereas "handle" refers to the execution and management of strategies and team dynamics.
In what situations is it inappropriate to use "handle"?
It might be inappropriate to use "handle" when referring to delicate matters of personal emotions or when a sensitive, empathetic approach is required, as it can sound too utilitarian.
What skills are necessary to effectively "address" versus "handle" issues?
Effective addressing typically requires strong communication skills, while handling demands organizational and problem-solving skills.
What emotional connotations do these terms carry?
"Address" often carries a connotation of seriousness and formality, whereas "handle" can suggest competence and control, often viewed as practical and assertive.
Can "handle" imply a level of expertise?
Yes, saying someone can "handle" something often implies they have the expertise or ability to manage or control it effectively.
How do the implications of these terms differ in a business setting?
In business, "address" often relates to formal announcements or tackling specific issues openly, while "handle" relates to the ongoing management of tasks and responsibilities.
How might cultural differences impact the use of "address" vs. "handle"?
Cultural differences might impact the perception of these terms, with some cultures preferring the formal implications of "address" in professional interactions, while others might value the practical action connoted by handle.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
