tardivi

Tardivi is the plural masculine form of the Italian adjective tardivo, meaning late or delayed. It can also function as a plural noun to denote latecomers. In everyday and formal language, tardivi describes things or people that arrive or occur after the expected time.

Etymology and forms: Tardivo derives from Latin tardivus, which in turn comes from tardus, meaning slow. Related words appear in other Romance languages, such as French tardif, Spanish tardío, and Portuguese tardio. The basic forms in Italian are tardivo (masc. sing.), tardiva (fem. sing.), tardivi (masc. plur.), and tardive (fem. plur.).

Usage and contexts: In temporal descriptions, tardivi modifies events, effects, or processes that appear later than anticipated. Common collocations include effetti tardivi (late effects) and reazioni tardive (delayed reactions), frequently used in medical, pharmacological, or scientific contexts. In everyday language, one may refer to un arrivo tardivo (a late arrival) or a pubblicazione tardiva (a late publication). As a noun, tardivo can describe a latecomer; for example, I tardivi are those who arrive after the appointed time. The term is neutral and primarily conveys timing rather than value or quality.

Notes: While related to the English word tardive and the French tardif, tardivo retains distinct Italian usage and grammar. It is commonly used across various registers, from informal speech to technical writing, to indicate delay or lateness without implying intentionality.