ante
word
Definition
In card games like poker, 'ante' is a small amount of money each player puts in before the game starts. It can also mean any initial payment or basic contribution required before starting something.
Usage & Nuances
'Ante' is commonly used in poker and some other card games. Informal expressions: 'up the ante' means to increase the stakes or effort. Outside of games, it's sometimes used metaphorically for making an initial contribution. Not common in everyday conversation.
Example Sentences
Each player puts in an ante before the round starts.
basic
If you don't pay the ante, you can't play.
basic
The ante for this game is one dollar.
basic
It's time to ante up or leave the table.
natural
The company really upped the ante with this new product.
natural
We all had to ante up for pizza after the game.
natural