Dry

Part of Speech

Adjective, Verb, Noun

Pronunciation

/draɪ/

Definitions

• Adjective: Free from moisture or liquid; not wet.
• Adjective: Lacking interest, emotion, or excitement.
• Verb: To remove moisture from something.
• Noun: A period of dryness, often referring to weather.

Usage Examples

• "The clothes are finally dry after hanging in the sun."
• "His speech was informative but a little dry."
• "Please dry the dishes after washing them."
• "The dry season lasts for several months in this region."

Etymology

Originates from Old English "drȳge," meaning "without moisture," related to German "trocken" and Dutch "droog."

Synonyms

• Arid
• Parched
• Dehydrated
• Uninteresting
• Stale

Antonyms

• Wet
• Damp
• Moist
• Exciting
• Engaging

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• American English: /draɪ/
• British English: /draɪ/
• Australian English: /draɪ/

Historical Usage

The word "dry" has been in use since Old English times, primarily describing the absence of moisture. Over time, it gained metaphorical meanings, such as describing humor or personality traits.

Cultural Nuances

"Dry" is often used metaphorically, such as in "dry humor" (subtle, deadpan wit) or "dry wine" (lacking sweetness). In different cultures, the perception of dryness varies, especially regarding food, climate, and personality descriptions.

More Information

The concept of dryness extends beyond physical states to abstract ideas. In literature and rhetoric, "dry" can mean uninteresting or lacking emotional depth. In winemaking, "dry" denotes a lack of residual sugar, and in meteorology, it describes periods with little to no rainfall.