'arid' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'arīdus', where the verb 'arēre' meant 'to be dry'.

'arīdus' passed through Late Latin and was borrowed into English (early 17th century) as 'arid'.

Initially it meant 'dry' (especially of land or climate); over time the primary meaning has remained largely the same, with extended figurative senses (e.g., uninteresting).