et
/ɛt/
conjunction
Origin
Latin
et — and
Overview
Meaning Now
- A Latin conjunction meaning 'and'.
Literal older meaning
and
Language path
Proto-Indo-European → Latin → English
Earliest form
et
Earliest period
Archaic Latin
Journey
The Latin 'et' is a fundamental conjunction. It is frequently encountered in modern English scholarship through loan phrases borrowed directly from Latin, most notably 'et al.' (et alii, 'and others') and 'et cetera' ('and the rest').
Evolution
- Proto-Indo-European
*eti
“besides, furthermore”
- Latin
et
“and”
- Middle English/Modern English
et
“and (used in academic or Latinate contexts)”
Used primarily in phrases like 'et al.'
Connections
Word parts
et
root
and
Related across languages
Ancient Greek
eti
still, yet
Explore next
Related to et
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.