Reading Theme:
Dry Off: Definition, Usage & Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：dry oneself (Dry Off)
Dry Off
/draɪ ɒf/
phr.v.
To make yourself or someone else dry by using a towel or by letting the sun/wind remove the water.
dry oneself
➕
/draɪ wʌnˈself/
phr.v.
To make yourself or another person dry, typically after bathing or swimming.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From 'dry' (Old English dryge, free from moisture) + 'off' (indicating removal).
💡 Mnemonic
Imagine a wet dog shaking off water: 'dry off' = shake + dry.
📖 Example
After swimming in the sea, I sat on the warm sand to dry off in the sun.
After swimming in the sea, I sat on the warm sand to dry off in the sun.
🔗 Collocations
dry off with a towel – use a towel to remove moisture from the body
dry off in the sun – allow sunlight and air to dry the body
dry off after a shower – dry the body after bathing
🚫 Antonyms
get wet (phrase) – to become moist or soaked
📖 Cultural Story
The phrase 'dry off' evolved from Old English 'drygan' and 'off', first recorded in the 14th century. It remains a staple in daily routines for drying oneself or objects.
Meaning 2：dry something (Dry Off)
Dry Off
/draɪ ɒf/
phr.v.
To make an object dry by wiping it, leaving it in the air, or using something to absorb the moisture.
dry something
➕
/draɪ ˈsʌmθɪŋ/
phr.v.
To make an object dry by wiping, air-drying, or using an absorbent material.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Could you please dry off these apples with the kitchen paper after washing them?
Could you please dry off these apples with the kitchen paper after washing them?
🔗 Collocations
dry off the dishes – wipe dishes dry after washing
dry off the wet counter – remove water from the counter using a cloth
dry off the spilled water – absorb moisture from a spill
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
dampen (v.) – to make slightly wet
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