Learn how to use the comparative “drier” and superlative “driest” with example sentences and differences.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

Comparative adjectives help us to describe how good or bad something is when compared to something else. For example, something is taller than something else. Superlative adjectives help us to describe something as having the most or least of a particular characteristic within a group. This makes it easier and more accurate to talk about and compare things.

What is the comparative form of “bonedry”?

The comparative form of “bonedry” is “drier”.

Example

The desert is drier than the rainforest.

Example

After using a towel, my hair feels drier than before.

What is the superlative form of “bonedry”?

The superlative form of “bonedry” is “driest”.

Example

The Atacama Desert is known as the driest place on Earth.

Example

Her skin became the driest it had ever been during the winter months.

Why is this expression not used with most, more?

'Most' and 'more' are generally not used with dry, drier, and driest. They’re considered regular comparatives and superlatives. The forms 'more dry' and 'most dry' are not used because they sound awkward. Instead, drier and driest are the correct and preferred forms to use.

Does this expression have an irregular comparative/superlative form?

Dry does not have an irregular comparative or superlative form. It follows the standard pattern for forming comparatives and superlatives. So, to summarize: Comparative: DryDrier Superlative: DryDriest

Expressions with similar meanings to “drier”

arider

Used to describe a place that is extremely dry or lacking in moisture

Example

The Sahara Desert is one of the arider regions on Earth.

Used to describe a person or animal that is in need of water

Example

After a long hike, I felt thirstier than ever.

A slightly formal way of expressing extreme dryness

Example

The plants in the desert were more parched than I had ever seen.

Expressions with similar meanings to “driest”

aridest

Similar to driest, this emphasizes extreme dryness

Example

The Death Valley is one of the aridest places in North America.

thirstiest

Used to describe a person or animal that is extremely in need of water

Example

After running a marathon, he was the thirstiest he had ever been.

A slightly formal way of expressing the highest level of dryness

Example

The desert was experiencing its most parched conditions in decades.

Using than with comparative “drier”

When using the comparative form drier to compare two things, you would use than to connect the two parts of the comparison: Example: "The desert is drier than the rainforest." Here, than is used to show that the level of dryness in the desert is greater than the level of dryness in the rainforest.

How can I use this expression in context?

“drier” and “driest” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.
  • 1Weather

    Today's weather is drier than yesterday's.

    Today's weather is drier than yesterday's.

  • 2Food

    The cake turned out drier than expected.

    The cake turned out drier than expected.

  • 3Skin

    Her hands became drier during the winter months.

    Her hands became drier during the winter months.

  • 4Humidity

    The air in the desert is drier than in coastal areas.

    The air in the desert is drier than in coastal areas.

  • 5Climate

    The desert has the driest climate on Earth.

    The desert has the driest climate on Earth.

Related idioms and phrases

As dry as a bone

Completely dry or lacking moisture.

Example

After spending hours in the sun, his clothes were as dry as a bone.

Parched with thirst

Extremely thirsty.

Example

After running a marathon, she was parched with thirst.

Dry as dust

Very dry and boring.

Example

The lecture was dry as dust, and the students struggled to stay awake.

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