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annuit coeptis

English translation: He agrees to what has been started.

GLOSSARY ENTRY (DERIVED FROM QUESTION BELOW)
Latin term or phrase:annuit coeptis
English translation:He agrees to what has been started.
Entered by: Egmont

16:10 Aug 23, 2000
Latin to English translations [PRO]
Latin term or phrase: annuit coeptis
Again this is on the dollar bill
heather
He agrees to what has been started.
Explanation:
The Latin ANNUIT may be either present or perfect, HE AGREES or HE HAS AGREED (or HE AGREED). The component parts or this verb mean to "nod toward". Ancient Romans nodded forward to show agreement, but nodded backward (RENUIT) to disagree...apparently they didn't "shake their heads" left and right to say no. -- Who is "HE"? Probably "God", though the motto doesn't say that.

The Latin COEPTIS (dative case object of the verb ANNUIT) is a passive-voice participle meaning THINGS BEGUN, derived from the verb COEPI, COEPISSE. These things that have been started would be the new events and the new nation of the American Revolution.

Hope this helps.
Selected response from:

Wigtil (X)
Grading comment
Perfect, thank you. The reason behind all of these questions about the Latin on the dollar bill was that someone at my husband's bible study said that it was evil and unholy. Your reference to God was extremely helpful to my side of the argument.
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



Summary of answers provided
na +1He agrees to what has been started.
Wigtil (X)


  

Answers


18 mins peer agreement (net): +1
He agrees to what has been started.


Explanation:
The Latin ANNUIT may be either present or perfect, HE AGREES or HE HAS AGREED (or HE AGREED). The component parts or this verb mean to "nod toward". Ancient Romans nodded forward to show agreement, but nodded backward (RENUIT) to disagree...apparently they didn't "shake their heads" left and right to say no. -- Who is "HE"? Probably "God", though the motto doesn't say that.

The Latin COEPTIS (dative case object of the verb ANNUIT) is a passive-voice participle meaning THINGS BEGUN, derived from the verb COEPI, COEPISSE. These things that have been started would be the new events and the new nation of the American Revolution.

Hope this helps.

Wigtil (X)
PRO pts in pair: 67
Grading comment
Perfect, thank you. The reason behind all of these questions about the Latin on the dollar bill was that someone at my husband's bible study said that it was evil and unholy. Your reference to God was extremely helpful to my side of the argument.

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
Adam Bartley
agree  Egmont
760 days
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