Part of Speech

Adjective, Past Participle

Pronunciation

/draɪd/

Definitions

• Having had moisture removed; not wet, typically referring to food or other substances that have been dried out.
• Describing something that has become desiccated or has lost its original moisture content.

Usage Examples

• The dried flowers were arranged in a beautiful bouquet.
• She added some dried fruit to the salad for extra sweetness.
• The laundry was hung out to dry, and the clothes became completely dried by afternoon.

Etymology

The word "dried" is the past tense and past participle form of the verb "dry," which comes from the Old English "dryge," meaning "to make dry, free from moisture." It has been in use since the early Middle Ages.

Synonyms

• Desiccated
• Dehydrated
• Shriveled
• Parched
• Brittle

Antonyms

• Wet
• Moist
• Damp
• Soaked
• Humid

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The pronunciation of "dried" remains relatively consistent in standard English across regions, although regional accents may slightly alter the "d" and "r" sounds. In some dialects, the word may be pronounced with a softened "r" or as "dryed" in informal speech.

Historical Usage

The word "dried" has been in use since the 14th century in the English language, evolving from the Middle English word "driyen" or "dreogan," meaning "to dry." Historically, drying was an essential method of preserving food and other materials, particularly before refrigeration was available.

Cultural Nuances

In various cultures, drying has been a key technique for preserving fruits, meats, and other foods. The practice is significant in many cuisines, such as sun-dried tomatoes in Mediterranean cooking or dried fish in Nordic diets. The process is not only about preservation but also affects the flavor and texture of food, often intensifying its taste.

More Information

The term "dried" is often associated with methods of food preservation, including drying techniques like air drying, sun drying, and dehydration. Dried foods have a long history in human culture, particularly for use during seasons when fresh food was scarce. Today, the word is also used more broadly to describe objects or substances that have had moisture removed, such as dried flowers or dried paint.