A dry strength composition for manufacture of paper, board or the like is disclosed. The dry strength composition includes, as a mixture, at least one anionically derivatized polysaccharide, and cationic starch having an amylopectin content ≥80 weight-%. The anionically derivatized polysaccharide and the cationic starch provide the composition with a charge density in a range of 0.1-1.5 meq/g, when measured at pH 2.8, and −0.1-−3 meq/g, preferably −0.3-−2.5 meq/g, more preferably −0.5-−2.0 meq/g, when measured as an aqueous solution, at pH 7.0. Further disclosed are a use of the composition and a method for manufacturing paper, board or the like.