"Etc." is an abbreviation for the Latin phrase "et cetera," which means "and other things" or "and so on." It is commonly used in writing to indicate that a list continues beyond what is explicitly mentioned. For example, if someone lists fruits like apples, bananas, and oranges, they might conclude with "etc." to suggest there are more fruits not listed. In formal writing, it's important to use "etc." sparingly and only when the additional items are clear to the reader. Overusing it can lead to ambiguity. It is often used in academic, professional, and casual contexts to simplify communication without listing every item.