Dry

Definition

Dry is an adjective, verb, and noun. As an adjective, it describes something lacking moisture or water. As a verb, it refers to the process of removing moisture. As a noun, "dry" can refer to a dry condition or a prohibition on alcohol.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective
• Verb
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /draɪ/
• Respelling: dry

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /draɪ/
• Respelling: dry

Etymology

The word "dry" originates from Old English "drȳge," meaning "without moisture," with Germanic roots found in Dutch "droog" and German "trocken." The term has retained its meaning across centuries, referring to states of little or no moisture.

Derivatives

• Drier (noun)
• Drying (verb/noun)
• Dryness (noun)
• Dryish (adjective)
• Undried (adjective)

Synonyms

• Arid
• Parched
• Dehydrated

Antonyms

• Wet
• Damp
• Moist

Usage

The adjective "dry" is commonly used to describe conditions lacking water, as in "The ground is very dry after the drought." As a verb, it describes the action of removing moisture, such as "She dried her hair with a towel." The noun form can refer to arid conditions or alcohol prohibition, as in "The region was declared dry during Prohibition."

Related Terms

• Dehydrate: To remove water from something.
• Aridity: The state of being extremely dry.
• Evaporation: The process of turning liquid into vapor, often leading to dryness.

Detailed Definitions

Adjective

• Lacking moisture or liquid: Describes something free from or nearly free from water.
  • Example: "The desert is a dry environment."
• Characterized by aridity or lack of rain: Refers to conditions with little to no rainfall.
  • Example: "The region has a dry climate."

Verb

• To remove moisture from something: Refers to the act of making something free from water.
  • Example: "Please dry the dishes after washing."
• To become free from moisture: Used when something loses water or moisture naturally.
  • Example: "The clothes will dry in the sun."

Noun

• A dry condition or lack of moisture: Refers to a state or period characterized by aridity.
  • Example: "The land was left in a state of dry."
• A prohibition on alcohol: Refers to the legal prohibition or restriction on the sale and consumption of alcohol.
  • Example: "The town was declared dry during Prohibition."