Great Seal > Mottoes > Annuit Coeptis ANNUIT COEPTIS – Origin and Meaning of the Motto Above the Eye Annuit coeptis is the Latin motto suggested in 1782 by Charles Thomson, the Founding Father chosen by Continental Congress to come up with the final design for the Great Seal of the United States. On June 20, 1782, Congress approved Thomson's design for both sides of the Great Seal whose official description for the reverse side specifies: "A Pyramid unfinished. In the Zenith an Eye in a triangle surrounded with a glory proper. Over the Eye these words 'Annuit Cœptis'." Although Thomson did not provide an exact translation of the motto, he explained its meaning in conjunction with the Eye of Providence in a triangle surrounded by light rays in the zenith of an unfinished pyramid: "The Eye over it & the motto Annuit Coeptis allude to the many signal interpositions of providence in favour of the American cause." Translating ANNUIT COEPTIS ANNUIT means to nod assent, to favor, to smile upon. COEPTIS means undertakings, endeavors, beginnings. Annuit coeptis means "favors (lit., gives the nod to) undertakings." The subject must be supplied. Who favors? The Eye (Providence) does. The verb annuit can be either present tense or perfect tense, therefore an accurate translation of the motto is: "Providence favors our undertakings" or "Providence has favored our undertakings." (The word "our" is supplied.) It has also been translated as: "He favors our undertakings" or "He has prospered our endeavors." The meaning of this motto is better understood when seen in its original classical context. Discover the source of Annuit Coeptis. NOTE: Annuit does not mean "to announce" (which is annuntio). "...many signal interpositions of providence in favour of the American cause." "Signal" means unusual, notable, outstanding: to give a sign. "Interposition" means intervention: to insert between. providence, noun: the foreseeing care and guidance of God or nature over the creatures of the Earth. (cap.) God, esp. when conceived as omnisciently directing the universe and the affairs of humankind with wise benevolence. a manifestation of divine care or direction. foresight; provision; provident care. Many leaders of the American Revolution felt that Providence had often intervened to enable them to achieve Independence from Great Britain, particularly General George Washington who said: "The many remarkable interpositions of the divine government, in the hours of our deepest distress and darkness, have been too luminous to suffer me to doubt the happy issue of the present contest." (March 26, 1781) "The Commander in Chief earnestly recommends that the troops not on duty should universally attend with that seriousness of Deportment and gratitude of Heart which the recognition of such reiterated and astonishing interpositions of Providence demand of us." (October 20, 1781) Annuit Coeptis reflects the mottoes suggested for the third committee's reverse side and Ben Franklin's suggestion for the first committee's reverse. Explore GreatSeal.com Learn the origin and meaning of the other MOTTOES: Novus Ordo Seclorum | E Pluribus Unum Examine the SYMBOLS on the Seal's Two Sides: Dynamic imagery from nature and history. Includes clickable image map. See Preliminary DESIGNS for the Great Seal: Ideas suggested by three committees (1776-1782). Recognize MYTH and Misinformation: Don't let America's emblem become a casualty of lore. See why PEACE is Patriotic: "The power of peace" as a founding principle. Great Seal SIGHTINGS: American symbols in the news, wise and otherwise. How the pyramid & eye got on the one-dollar bill What's so great about the Great Seal? (includes resources for teachers) Brief Overview Front Page Top Image: Detail of first engraving of pyramid side. Page revised March 28, 2010. ©2010 GreatSeal.com