Anno millesimo nongentesimo nonagesimo nono

Definition

This Latin phrase translates to 'in the year one thousand nine hundred ninety-nine,' representing a specific point in time. It illustrates how ordinal numbers are constructed in Latin, using a combination of numerical words to convey both the year and its sequence within a broader temporal context. Understanding this term helps to grasp how ordinal numbers function in expressing dates and historical events in Latin.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The phrase is an example of how Latin expresses years by combining cardinal numbers and specific Latin terms for thousands, hundreds, and tens.
2. In this case, 'millesimo' denotes 'thousandth,' while 'nongentesimo nonagesimo nono' translates to 'ninety-ninth,' indicating the year 1999.
3. Ordinal numbers in Latin can be used to denote not only years but also sequences of events, making them versatile in historical documentation.
4. Understanding how to construct ordinal numbers in Latin is crucial for interpreting historical texts accurately, especially those detailing dates.
5. The usage of this specific term highlights the transition into a new millennium, emphasizing cultural and historical significance at the turn of the century.

Review Questions

• How do ordinal numbers like 'anno millesimo nongentesimo nonagesimo nono' illustrate the way time is structured in Latin?
  • 'Anno millesimo nongentesimo nonagesimo nono' exemplifies the construction of ordinal numbers in Latin by combining elements that denote both the base number and its order. This construction reflects a clear method of expressing not just numerical value but also its chronological significance. The systematic use of cardinal components allows for a precise articulation of years and their places within larger historical narratives.
• In what ways can understanding the construction of ordinal numbers enhance one's ability to read and interpret historical texts in Latin?
  • 'Understanding the construction of ordinal numbers enhances reading comprehension by allowing one to identify and contextualize dates accurately within historical narratives. For instance, recognizing 'anno millesimo nongentesimo nonagesimo nono' as 1999 provides immediate insight into significant events occurring during that year. This skill enables students to better grasp timelines and the sequence of events, which is essential for interpreting history effectively.'
• Evaluate the significance of using ordinal numbers like 'anno millesimo nongentesimo nonagesimo nono' when analyzing historical contexts and events.
  • 'Using ordinal numbers such as 'anno millesimo nongentesimo nonagesimo nono' is crucial when analyzing historical contexts because it provides specificity and clarity about the time frame being discussed. This precision allows historians and scholars to construct timelines, assess causality among events, and understand cultural shifts at critical junctures. Additionally, it emphasizes how societies have recorded time and organized their histories, which is vital for comprehending changes over long periods.'

Related terms

Ordinal Numbers: Numbers that represent position or order in a sequential list, such as first, second, or third.

Cardinal Numbers: Numbers that denote quantity rather than position, such as one, two, three.

Millennium: A period of one thousand years, often used in reference to significant time frames in history.