arid
adjective C1
Plain meaning
very dry, especially land or climate
Exam-register meaning
In academic or exam contexts, it means very dry, especially land or climate, usually in a more formal register.
In context
naturalHis response sounded arid, so the conversation became difficult.
examThe passage presents a arid assessment of the policy’s wider consequences.
Common collocations
a arid responsearid behavioura arid situation
Watch out
Do not use “very arid” automatically; some advanced adjectives already carry a strong meaning or need a more natural intensifier.
Word family
aridness (noun, where natural)aridly (adverb, where natural)