tardissimo

Tardissimo is an Italian adjective formed as the superlative of tard(o), meaning late or slow. The term literally translates to “extremely late” or “very late,” and can also convey “extremely slow” depending on context. It derives from Latin tardus, meaning slow or late, and uses the standard Italian -issimo superlative suffix.

In usage, tardissimo appears in everyday Italian to emphasize lateness or slowness. It can describe events, times, or things that are notably late or slow: for example, è tardissimo meaning “it’s extremely late.” In more stylized or literary language, it can convey an exaggerated or humorous sense of lateness.

In music, tardissimo is not a common formal tempo marking in standard notation. More typical Italian tempo terms include lento, adagio, lentissimo. When it appears, it is typically in informal writing or commentary to convey the idea of an extremely slow tempo, rather than as a routine directive.

In English-language contexts, the word may be mistaken for a slur, but in Italian it is a neutral descriptive term. Care should be taken with translation in sensitive contexts.

Related terms include tardivo and lentissimo.