Main Entry:

¹an·te

Pronunciation:

\ˈan-tē\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

ante-

Date:

1821

1: a poker stake usually put up before the deal to build the pot <the dealer called for a dollar ante>2 a: cost, price <these improvements would raise the ante> b: risk, stakes <the new law ups the ante on tax cheats> c: a level (as of achievement or intensity) regarded especially as a goal or standard <the film ups the ante on special effects>