What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
arid
Example
The desert is known for its arid climate with little rainfall. [arid: adjective]
Example
The arid landscape was devoid of any greenery or signs of life. [arid: adjective]
dry
Example
The clothes hung outside to dry in the sun. [dry: verb]
Example
The dry season in this region is characterized by hot and sunny weather. [dry: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dry is more commonly used than arid in everyday language. Dry is a versatile word that can be applied to different contexts, while arid is more specific to describing climates and regions with little rainfall.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between arid and dry?
While arid is generally more formal, dry can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
