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ex ante

American  
[eks an-tee] / ˈɛks ˈæn ti /

adjective

  1. based on anticipated changes or activity in an economy (opposed to ex post).


Etymology

Origin of ex ante

< Latin: literally, from (what might lie) ahead; according to (what lies) ahead

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

And I guess I’m curious about why this is done in the language of We’re tweaking, we’re doing tiny fixes, we’re restoring us to the status quo ex ante.

From Slate Apr. 30, 2026

"Although this judgment comes many years late, I welcome the decision of the General Court that today confirms the need to ban such practices through specific ex ante obligations," he said.

From Reuters Sep. 14, 2022

He mentioned “a growing miscellany of ex ante regulations that frequently work against the entrepreneurs and consumers the rules are intended to help.”

From Washington Post Dec. 8, 2016

But we are debating ex ante rules versus ex post rules.

From Forbes Oct. 7, 2014

The failure of an international bank needs ex ante cooperation agreements with other countries, particularly Britain.

From New York Times Feb. 2, 2012

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