Often involves a deliberate action, like rubbing with a towel or shaking water off.

Physical Action

Typically used right after becoming wet, like stepping out of a shower or pool.

Immediate Aftermath

Commonly used in casual or personal contexts, less in formal ones.

Describes an object or person drying without direct action, like air-drying.

Suggests a period of waiting is needed for the item to become dry.

Unlike 'towel off,' 'dry off' doesn't imply using a towel or cloth necessarily.