What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
desert
Example
The Sahara desert is the largest hot desert in the world. [desert: noun]
Example
He was deserted by his friends when he needed them the most. [deserted: past participle]
arid
Example
The Atacama Desert in Chile is one of the driest and most arid places on Earth. [arid: adjective]
Example
The meeting was an arid affair, with little discussion or enthusiasm. [arid: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Desert is more commonly used than arid in everyday language, especially when referring to a geographic location. However, arid is more commonly used in scientific or technical contexts to describe a dry and parched environment.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between desert and arid?
Arid is generally considered more formal than desert, as it is often used in scientific or technical writing to describe a specific type of climate or environment.
