et and others crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're stuck on the clue 'et and others crossword', you've come to the right place. Below you'll find the most common and accurate solutions, along with explanations to help you understand why they fit. Get ready to complete your puzzle!
Solutions for "et and others crossword" by Letter Count
4 Letters
ETAL: This is the widely used abbreviation for 'et alii' or 'et alia', meaning 'and others'. It often appears in academic citations.
6 Letters
ETALIA: This is one of the full Latin phrases meaning 'and others', specifically the neuter plural form.
ETALII: Another full Latin phrase, the masculine plural form of 'and others'. Both ETALIA and ETALII can be used depending on context or specific puzzle setter's preference.
More About "et and others crossword"
The phrase "et and others" in a crossword clue almost universally points to the Latin abbreviation "ET AL." or its full forms "ET ALII" or "ET ALIA". This Latin phrase literally translates to "and others" and is most commonly encountered in academic, legal, and literary citations. For instance, when a work has multiple authors, only the first author might be listed followed by "et al." to indicate that other authors contributed.
In crosswords, this clue is a favorite for setters due to its concise answer "ETAL" (four letters), making it versatile for shorter slots in the grid. It's a piece of common knowledge, though its Latin roots make it feel a bit more esoteric, adding to the challenge and satisfaction for solvers.
Understanding the full Latin forms, "et alii" (masculine plural) and "et alia" (neuter plural), can sometimes be crucial, especially if the puzzle requires a longer answer than four letters. While "ETAL" is the go-to, knowing its origins helps in solving variations and deeper clues related to Latin phrases.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Look for common abbreviations: Many clues, like 'et and others', rely on well-known abbreviations or initialisms. Familiarize yourself with common ones used in academic, medical, or legal contexts (e.g., 'etc.', 'i.e.', 'e.g.', 'Rx'). Memorizing these can save time.
- Consider Latin phrases: Crosswords frequently use Latin words or phrases, especially for shorter answers or more formal-sounding clues. If a clue seems obscure or relates to scholarly contexts, think about its potential Latin origin.
- Check letter counts carefully: The exact number of letters provided by the puzzle is your most crucial hint. For 'et and others', answers like ETAL (4 letters) and ETALIA or ETALII (6 letters) fit different slots. Always count the dashes in the grid!
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'et al.' stand for?
It stands for the Latin phrase 'et alii' (masculine plural) or 'et alia' (neuter plural), both meaning 'and others'. It is commonly used in academic citations to refer to multiple authors or contributors beyond the first one listed.
Why is 'et and others' a common crossword clue?
Its brevity as 'ETAL' (4 letters) and its frequent use in academic and formal contexts make it a staple for short word slots in puzzles. It's a widely recognized abbreviation that solvers often encounter.
Can 'et al.' have different letter counts in crosswords?
Yes, while 'ETAL' (4 letters) is the most common abbreviation, the full Latin forms 'ETALIA' or 'ETALII' can appear, giving a 6-letter answer, depending on the puzzle's specific needs and the setter's clueing strategy. Always check the number of blanks provided.