E Pluribus Unum | Encyclopedia.com (2024)

gale

views updated May 11 2018

"E PLURIBUS UNUM" (Out of many, one), motto featured on the Great Seal of the United States. After declaring independence, the Continental Congress appointed Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson to devise a seal. In consultation with Swiss-born artist Pierre Eugène du Simitière, they selected E Pluribus Unum, motto of the popular London-based anthology, Gentleman's Magazine, to emblematize the diversity of the American people. Scholars have not located the exact phrase in classical literature, but Virgil's Moretum contains a similar expression. Subsequent committees kept this motto, but substituted an eagle for the proposed heraldic shield. Adopted by Congress on 20 June 1782, the Great Seal appears on numerous currencies, seals, and flags.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

McDonald, Forrest. E Pluribus Unum: The Formation of the American Republic, 1776–1790. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1976. A history of the critical period taking E Pluribus Unum as its theme.

Patterson, Richard S., and Richardson Dougall. The Eagle and the Shield: A History of the Great Seal of the United States. Washington, D.C.: Office of the Historian, Bureau of Public Affairs, Department of State, under the Auspices of the American Revolution Bicentennial Administration, 1976. The most thorough history of the Great Seal, its origins, components, and official uses.

Benjamin H.Irvin

See alsoSeal of the United States .

Dictionary of American History Irvin, Benjamin H.

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Pluribus Unum, E Latin phrase, ‘out of many, one’, selected as the motto for the American national seal in 1776 by a committee consisting of Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin.

The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable ELIZABETH KNOWLES

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E Pluribus Unum | Encyclopedia.com (2024)

FAQs

What is the meaning of E Pluribus Unum answer? ›

E Pluribus Unum. Educational Notes. “Out of many, one.” This is the literal translation for the motto of the United States of America.

What is the full phrase of E Pluribus Unum? ›

E pluribus unum (/iː ˈplɜːrɪbəs ˈuːnəm/ ee PLUR-ib-əs OO-nəm, Classical Latin: [eː ˈpluːrɪbʊs ˈuːnʊ̃], Latin pronunciation: [e ˈpluribus ˈunum]) – Latin for "Out of many, one" (also translated as "One out of many" or "One from many") – is a traditional motto of the United States, appearing on the Great Seal along with ...

What is the meaning of E Unum Pluribus? ›

E pluribus unum. A motto of the United States; Latin for “Out of many, one.” It refers to the Union formed by the separate states. E pluribus unum was adopted as a national motto in 1776 and is now found on the Great Seal of the United States and on United States currency .

Why is the motto E Pluribus Unum a good saying? ›

The phrase "e pluribus unum" represents the idea that the United States is made up of many different people and cultures, but together they form one nation. The examples show how the motto is used in official symbols of the United States to represent unity and diversity.

Why does money say E Pluribus Unum? ›

It was used on and off for eighty years at which time the Fourth Coinage Act made it mandatory for all coins. Meaning 'out of many, one,' e pluribus unum reflects the states' willingness to unite under a common currency — a far cry from the many years when the states routinely printed their own.

What is the Latin phrase E Pluribus Unum? ›

"E pluribus unum" is a traditional motto of the United States and of Mongaguá. It means "out of many, one" in Latin. It has been placed on the U.S. dollar bill, and other related items.

What does E Pluribus Unum ex ring mean? ›

Inspiration. The phrase, “E Pluribus Unum” means “Out of many, one.” If you turn the phrase a little bit, it can also mean “Out of many, there is one,” “one” being the man who wears this ring. He is the “enlightened one.”

What is the religious meaning of E Pluribus Unum? ›

The central message reinforces the importance of what brings us together as a nation. In a country teeming with different cultures, religions, and ethnicities, we should recognize our greatest strength is in our diversity. May we never forget that.

What does unum stand for? ›

1986: Union Mutual changes its name to Unum. 1989: Unum becomes the first to offer group long term care coverage. 1990: Unum completes the U.K. acquisition of NELPHI and renames it Unum Limited (now Unum UK) the following year.

Why is E Pluribus Unum our motto? ›

E Pluribus Unum – “out of many, one” – was first featured on the original 1776 design of the Great Seal of the United States and was formally adopted by the U.S. Congress as our nation's official motto in 1782. The Latin phrase reminds us that from the original Thirteen Colonies emerged a single nation.

What is the spiritual meaning of E Pluribus Unum? ›

E pluribus unum. Out of many, one. This is a Biblical concept found everywhere from Isaiah 66 to Romans 12. God takes people from all nations and peoples, no matter how unlikely, and makes them one in Christ, often to the surprise of those who currently see themselves as “the one true church.”

Who said E Pluribus Unum? ›

The Latin phrase “e pluribus unum” which translates to “out of many, one” and which is the official motto of the United States of America, has roots in the writings of Virgil, the great Roman poet who lived from 70 to 19 BC.

How to use E Pluribus Unum in a sentence? ›

We are on a mission to have the words E Pluribus Unum in every municipal building across the country. E pluribus unum it says on the seal of the United States: out of many, one. There is their inscription, e pluribus unum, an unquestionable stamp of nationality and value, which they carry wherever they go.

When did In God We Trust replace E Pluribus Unum? ›

Federal government

On July 30, 1956, the 84th Congress passed a joint resolution "declaring 'IN GOD WE TRUST' the national motto of the United States." The resolution passed both the House and the Senate unanimously and without debate. It replaced E pluribus unum, which had existed before as a de facto official motto.

What does E Pluribus Unum mean on a penny? ›

“E Pluribus Unum” means “One out of many”. “In God We Trust” appeared for the first time on the Lincoln penny. Congress passed the Act of March 3, 1865, authorizing the use of this motto on our coins during Lincoln's tenure in office. Victor David Brenner was the artist who was commissioned to design the coin.

What does the phrase E Pluribus Unum mean to us as a country? ›

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- E Pluribus Unum is a Latin phrase found on the back of many coins and the Great Seal of the United States. It means, "From many comes one" or "One from many." Our many states, all different and unique, are united as one great country, and from this unity comes our great strength.

What does E Pluribus Unum mean in the Bible? ›

E pluribus unum. Out of many, one. This is a Biblical concept found everywhere from Isaiah 66 to Romans 12. God takes people from all nations and peoples, no matter how unlikely, and makes them one in Christ, often to the surprise of those who currently see themselves as “the one true church.”

What does Unum mean in English? ›

“unum” = together as one; one and the same - the word appears on the US presidential ceremonial flag.

What does the Latin word pluribus mean? ›

pluribus. - Adjective = much, many. plus Adjective = more, several. many.

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