tardy
UK: ˈtɑːdi | US: ˈtɑːrdi
adj. slow to act or respond; delayed
adj. (archaic) moving slowly; sluggish
tardy = tard<slow> + y<adjective suffix>
- tard<slow>: From Latin tardus (slow, sluggish).
- y<adjective suffix>: A common English suffix forming adjectives (e.g., happy, windy).
Etymology Origin:
The word tardy traces back to Latin tardus, meaning "slow" or "delayed." It entered Middle English via Old French tardif, retaining its core sense of slowness. The suffix -y was added to align with English adjective patterns. Over time, tardy specialized to describe lateness (e.g., tardy to class), while its archaic sense of physical slowness faded.
She was marked tardy for arriving after the bell.
His tardy response caused frustration among the team.
The tardy progress of the project worried the investors.
(Archaic) The tardy river flowed gently through the valley.
Excuses for tardy submissions were not accepted.