Pronunciation: [wɜː tˈɑːdi] (IPA) 
The spelling of the phrase "were tardy" can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription. The word "were" is pronounced as /wɜːr/ which starts with a voiced labio-velar approximant /w/ and ends in a tense mid-central vowel /ɜːr/. The word "tardy" is pronounced as /ˈtɑːrdi/ with a voiceless alveolar stop /t/ followed by an open back unrounded vowel /ɑː/ and ends with a voiced alveolar approximant /r/ and an unstressed vowel /i/.
"Were tardy" is a phrase used to describe a situation where a person or a group of people were late or delayed in completing a task or arriving at a designated place at the expected or required time. The usage of "were" instead of "was" indicates a plural subject, suggesting that multiple individuals were involved in the delay.
In essence, tardiness refers to the act of being behind schedule, not adhering to a set timeline, or failing to arrive punctually. It implies a lack of promptness and demonstrates a deviation from expected or agreed-upon timeframes. Whether it pertains to the lateness of oneself or others, being tardy can result in inconveniences, disruptions, or negative consequences, such as missing out on important information, delaying the progress of a project, or disrupting the plans of others involved.
The phrase "were tardy" is often used in educational or professional settings, where punctuality is highly valued and adherence to set deadlines is crucial. For example, if a group of students "were tardy" in handing in their assignments, it suggests that they failed to submit their work on time. Similarly, if employees "were tardy" in attending a meeting, it indicates that they arrived late to the designated location for the scheduled discussion. This phrase denotes a lack of timeliness and can highlight a need for improved time management or better adherence to established schedules.
The phrase "were tardy" does not have its own separate etymology, as it is a combination of two words: "were" and "tardy".
"Were" is the past tense of the verb "be" in the second person singular or plural form. Its etymology can be traced back to Old English "wǣre", from Proto-Germanic "*wēz".
"Tardy" is an adjective that means being late or delayed. It comes from the Old French word "tardif" meaning "late", which is derived from the Latin word "tardus" with the same meaning.
Therefore, "were tardy" essentially means "were late" or "were delayed".
