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 “dried”?

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

Example

The towel is drier than it was yesterday.

Example

I prefer my clothes to be drier after they come out of the dryer.

What is the superlative form of “dried”?

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

Example

Out of all the towels, this one is the driest.

Example

The Sahara Desert is known for being the driest place on Earth.

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”

Used to describe something that has lost more moisture

Example

The desert air made her skin more dehydrated.

Used to indicate a stronger need for hydration

Example

After running a marathon, she felt thirstier than ever.

A way of expressing reduced moisture

Example

The cake batter should be less moist before baking.

Expressions with similar meanings to “driest”

Similar to driest, this emphasizes the highest level of moisture loss

Example

The most dehydrated plants in the garden need immediate watering.

thirstiest

Used to describe the highest level of need for hydration

Example

After hours of hiking in the sun, he was the thirstiest person in the group.

A way of expressing the lowest level of moisture

Example

The least moist part of the cake is the crust.

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: "This towel is drier than the other one." Here, than is used to show that the level of dryness of 'this towel' is greater than the level of dryness of 'the other one'.

How can I use this expression in context?

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

    Hang your clothes outside to make them drier faster.

    Hang your clothes outside to make them drier faster.

  • 2Weather

    Today's weather is drier than yesterday's rain.

    Today's weather is drier than yesterday's rain.

  • 3Food

    The driest part of the cake is the edges.

    The driest part of the cake is the edges.

  • 4Plants

    Water the plants when the soil becomes drier.

    Water the plants when the soil becomes drier.

  • 5Geography

    The desert is known for its driest conditions.

    The desert is known for its driest conditions.

Related idioms and phrases

As dry as a bone

Completely dry; without any 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 and drank a whole bottle of water.

Dry as dust

Very boring or uninteresting.

Example

The lecture was dry as dust and put everyone to sleep.

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