et al

Where does the word "et al" come from? It comes from Latin et alii, and was adopted directly into English (1800s).

Et al’s story begins in Latin: et alii meant “and others.” And others, from et (and) and alius (other). It reached English by 1800s as et al. Short for 'et alii', and others, used in scholarly citation. Today, et al means and other people, used after a name to indicate additional unnamed contributors.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient et alii "and others", and others, from et (and) and alius (other).
2. Stage 2 · English · 1800s et al "and other people, used after a name in citations", short for 'et alii', and others, used in scholarly citation.