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 “dry”?

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

Example

The desert is drier than the rainforest.

Example

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

What is the superlative form of “dry”?

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

Example

The Sahara Desert is known as one of the driest places on Earth.

Example

After days without rain, the ground became the driest it had ever been.

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 is in need of moisture or water

Example

The plants in the arid region are much thirstier than those in the lush forest.

Describing something that is extremely dry and lacking moisture

Example

After spending hours in the sun, her skin felt parched and in need of hydration.

A slightly formal way of expressing increased dryness

Example

The climate in this region has become more arid due to lack of rainfall.

Expressions with similar meanings to “driest”

thirstiest

Similar to driest, this emphasizes extreme dryness and the need for moisture

Example

The plants in the desert are the thirstiest in the world.

Used to describe the highest level of dryness and lack of moisture

Example

The cracked earth in the drought-stricken region was the most parched it had ever been.

A slightly formal way of expressing the highest level of dryness

Example

The Atacama Desert is considered the most arid place on Earth.

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 compared to yesterday's rain.

    Today's weather is drier compared to yesterday's rain.

  • 2Food

    The cake turned out drier than expected because it was overcooked.

    The cake turned out drier than expected because it was overcooked.

  • 3Humidity

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

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

  • 4Skin

    Using a moisturizer helps to prevent dryness and keeps the skin drier.

    Using a moisturizer helps to prevent dryness and keeps the skin drier.

  • 5Climate

    The desert has the driest climate with very little rainfall.

    The desert has the driest climate with very little rainfall.

Related idioms and phrases

As dry as a bone

Completely dry, with no moisture

Example

After being left in the sun, the clothes were as dry as a bone.

Dry as dust

Extremely dry, often used to describe boring or uninteresting things

Example

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

In the dry

In a situation where there is a lack of water or rainfall

Example

Farmers in the region are struggling due to being in the dry for months.

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