The abbreviation "etc." stands for "et cetera," a Latin phrase meaning "and other things" or "and so on." It is commonly used in writing to indicate that a list continues in a similar manner without needing to specify every item. For example, if someone lists fruits like apples, bananas, and oranges, they might conclude with "etc." to suggest there are more fruits not mentioned. Using "etc." helps to keep sentences concise and avoids unnecessary repetition. However, it is important to use it judiciously, as overuse can lead to ambiguity. In formal writing, it is often better to provide a complete list or clarify what is included in the "etc."