Tardiness

Noun

Definition: The quality or fact of being late; lateness.

Synonyms: Lateness, Delay, Unpunctuality

Antonyms: Punctuality, Promptness, Timeliness

Examples:

John's constant tardiness to work has led to warnings from his boss.
The train's tardiness resulted in many frustrated passengers.

Mnemonics:

Think of the phrase "tar-dy" to remind yourself of someone being slow or late.
Picture a tardy tortoise trying to catch up with its faster friends.

Etymology:

Origin:

The word "tardiness" originated from the Middle English word "tardy," meaning "slow." It can be traced back to the Old French word "tardif" and the Latin word "tardus."

Historical Usage:

The term has been used in English since the 14th century to describe the state of being late or delayed.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Fashionably late"

Explanation:

Refers to deliberately arriving late to an event in order to make a notable, stylish entrance.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Associating tardiness only with being late to appointments or work.

Explanation:

Tardiness can also refer to delays in various contexts, such as the tardiness of a delivery or the tardiness of a response.