Noun
/se.keˈðað/
Sequedad refers to the state of being dry or lacking moisture. It can describe both physical dryness, such as in the case of weather or skin, and abstract concepts like dryness in communication or style. In general discourse, it is used to express discomfort or adverse conditions caused by a lack of moisture.
The term "sequedad" is moderately common in Spanish, frequently appearing in both spoken and written contexts. It is especially prevalent in discussions about climate, health, and literature.
The dryness of the climate in the desert is extreme.
La sequedad de la piel puede ser un signo de deshidratación.
The dryness of the skin can be a sign of dehydration.
En la sequedad del invierno, es importante usar crema hidratante.
While “sequedad” is not heavily featured in idiomatic expressions, it is used in some contexts that carry additional meanings:
Esto puede ser un síntoma de ansiedad.
(This can be a symptom of anxiety.)
Hacer algo con sequedad
Su respuesta fue dada con sequedad, lo que sorprendió a todos.
(His response was given with abruptness, which surprised everyone.)
Sesgadamente seco
The word “sequedad” comes from the Latin "seca", meaning dry, combined with the suffix "-edad", which denotes the state or condition. The evolution into its current form has kept the original context of not having moisture.