What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
desiccate
Example
The herbs were desiccated in the oven before being used in the recipe. [desiccated: past participle]
Example
The desert sun was so hot that it desiccated the plants and soil. [desiccate: verb]
dry
Example
The laundry is still wet, it needs more time to dry. [dry: verb]
Example
After a long hike, I was so dry that I drank an entire bottle of water. [dry: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dry is a more common word than desiccate in everyday language, as it is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between desiccate and dry?
Desiccate is a more formal word than dry, and is typically used in scientific or technical contexts where precision and accuracy are important.
