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 very little rainfall. [arid: adjective]
Example
The arid landscape of the region made it difficult for plants to grow. [arid: adjective]
parched
Example
After hours of hiking in the sun, I was parched and desperately needed a drink. [parched: adjective]
Example
The plants in the garden looked parched and wilted due to the hot weather. [parched: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Parched is more commonly used than arid in everyday language. Parched is a word that people are more likely to encounter and use in daily conversations, while arid is more commonly used in scientific or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between arid and parched?
Both arid and parched can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, arid has a slightly more formal connotation due to its association with scientific or technical language.