What is the comparative form of “arid”?
The comparative form of “arid” is “drier”.Example
The desert is drier than the rainforest.
The desert is drier than the rainforest.
Example
His clothes were drier after being in the sun for a few hours.
His clothes were drier after being in the sun for a few hours.
What is the superlative form of “arid”?
The superlative form of “arid” is “driest”.Example
The Sahara Desert is known as one of the driest places on Earth.
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.
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 arid, drier, and driest. They’re considered regular comparatives and superlatives. The forms 'more arid' and 'most arid' 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?
Arid does not have an irregular comparative or superlative form. It follows the standard pattern for forming comparatives and superlatives. So, to summarize: Comparative: Arid → Drier Superlative: Arid → Driest
Expressions with similar meanings to “drier”
Example
The more parched regions of the desert receive very little rainfall.
The more parched regions of the desert receive very little rainfall.
Example
The climate in the desert is less humid compared to coastal areas.
The climate in the desert is less humid compared to coastal areas.
Expressions with similar meanings to “driest”
Example
The most parched areas of the desert have not seen rain in years.
The most parched areas of the desert have not seen rain in years.
Example
The desert is the least humid place I've ever been to.
The desert is the least humid place I've ever been to.
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.- 1Climate
The desert is drier than the coastal region.
The desert is drier than the coastal region.
- 2Landscapes
The arid plains are drier than the lush forests.
The arid plains are drier than the lush forests.
- 3Weather
During the summer, the air becomes drier.
During the summer, the air becomes drier.
- 4Soil
The sandy soil is drier than the clay soil.
The sandy soil is drier than the clay soil.
- 5Plants
Cacti are adapted to survive in arider conditions than most other plants.
Cacti are adapted to survive in arider conditions than most other plants.
Related idioms and phrases
Dry as a bone
Completely dry, with no moisture or water
Example
After being in the sun all day, the clothes were dry as a bone.
After being in the sun all day, the clothes were dry as a bone.
Parched with thirst
Extremely thirsty, in need of water
Example
After hiking in the desert, he was parched with thirst.
After hiking in the desert, he was parched with thirst.
In the desert of the real
Referring to a harsh or difficult reality, often used metaphorically
Example
After facing many challenges, she realized she was living in the desert of the real.
After facing many challenges, she realized she was living in the desert of the real.
