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 “driest”?

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

Example

The desert is drier than the rainforest.

Example

His clothes were drier after being in the sun for a few hours.

What is the superlative form of “driest”?

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

Example

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

Example

Her towel was the driest out of all the towels.

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 a place that is even drier than usual

Example

The Sahara Desert is one of the more arid regions on Earth.

Used to indicate a decrease in moisture in the air

Example

The climate in the desert is less humid compared to coastal areas.

Used metaphorically to describe a strong desire for something

Example

After running a marathon, he felt thirstier than ever for a cold drink.

Expressions with similar meanings to “driest”

Used to describe the highest level of dryness in a place

Example

The Death Valley is considered one of the most arid places in North America.

Used to indicate the lowest level of moisture in the air

Example

The desert is the least humid region in the country.

thirstiest

Used metaphorically to describe the strongest desire for something

Example

After hours of hiking, they were the thirstiest they had ever been.

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.

  • 3Climate

    The desert has a drier climate compared to the coast.

    The desert has a drier climate compared to the coast.

  • 4Laundry

    Hang your clothes outside to make them drier faster.

    Hang your clothes outside to make them drier faster.

  • 5Humidity

    The air becomes drier during the winter months.

    The air becomes drier during the winter months.

Related idioms and phrases

As dry as a bone

Completely dry, without any moisture.

Example

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

Parched with thirst

Extremely thirsty.

Example

After a long hike, they were parched with thirst and desperately needed water.

Dry spell

A period of time when there is little or no rainfall.

Example

The farmers were worried about their crops during the dry spell.

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