Meaning & Definition of word "Ante"

Ante

/ˈæn.teɪ/

noun:

  • 1. A stake or amount of money that a player must put into the pot before playing in poker and related card games.
    • Example: Before the game started, each player was required to put an ante of five dollars into the pot.
  • 2. In a legal context, an ante refers to a sum of money put up by one party in a lawsuit, particularly in habeas corpus cases.
    • Example: The plaintiff had to post an ante to proceed with the legal challenge against the government.

preposition:

  • 1. Before; in front of.
    • Example: The ancient civilizations often built their temples ante the mountains.

Etymology

From Latin 'ante', meaning 'before'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

put up an ante:

To make an initial contribution to a game or situation.

ante up:

To contribute money, especially in a gambling context.

Related Words

antebellum:

Referring to the period before a war, especially the American Civil War.

antecedent:

A thing or event that existed before or logically precedes another.

Slang Meanings of ante

Meaning: To ante up

Example Sentence: I had to ante up five bucks to join the game.

Meaning: Ante it up

Example Sentence: If you want to play, you need to ante it up.