le retard

The French word "retard" primarily means delay or lateness. It can refer to the state of being late or behind schedule in time, progress, or development.

Meanings and usages:

1. Delay / Lateness:

   • Example: Le train a un retard de 30 minutes. (The train is 30 minutes late.)
   • Used in both formal and informal contexts to talk about any type of time delay.

2. Development delay:

   • In certain contexts, it can also refer to developmental delay or slowness in physical, mental, or other progress.

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Synonyms and differences:

• Délai:
  General term for "delay" but usually indicates a period allowed or agreed upon for something to be done. Less about being late, more about duration allowed.
  Ex: Il y a un délai de 2 semaines pour rendre le projet.

• Retard:
  Focused on lateness or running behind a schedule or expected time. Often used negatively.
  Ex: Elle est en retard pour le rendez-vous.

• Lenteur:
  Means "slowness" or "sluggishness," focusing on the speed or speediness of an action, not necessarily timing.
  Ex: La lenteur du service était frustrante.

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Note: Although "retard" in English is sometimes used as an offensive term, in French, the basic meaning related to delay is neutral, but should be used carefully in medical or psychological contexts due to possible sensitivity or offense.