Annuit
/anˈnu.it/noun
A Latin verb form meaning “he or she nods,” “assents,” or “approves.”
Did you know?In the motto “Annuit Coeptis,” usually translated “He favors our undertakings,” the implied subject is traditionally interpreted as Providence, giving the phrase a distinctly divine or occult-seeming sense of cosmic approval.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*neu-
“To nod, signal, or make a gesture of assent”
Ancient Greek
Greek
νεύει (neuei)
“He nods or gives a sign”
Classical Latin
Latin
nuere
“To nod or give assent”
Classical Latin
Latin
annuere
“To nod toward someone; to approve or favor”
Classical Latin
Latin
annuit
“He or she nods, assents, or approves”
18th Century
English/Latin
Annuit Coeptis
“A Latin motto meaning “He favors our undertakings,” appearing on the Great Seal of the United States”