Ante is a poker term that refers to the mandatory amount each player is required to bet before they are dealt any cards.
It is important to note that ante is not the same as the big or small blind that we also have in poker. While small and big blinds change positions based on who has the button, the ante is fixed and obligatory. Furthermore, you are required to pay both the blinds and the ante.
Naturally, if you are playing at a brick-and-mortar casino, the ante will be pre-set, so you can simply ask the dealer about it and see if the amount suits you. However, sometimes, as long as everyone is up for it, players can decide to up the ante and spice things up by making the pot larger without changing the blinds.