'ante-' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'ante', where 'ante' meant 'before'.

'ante-' changed from the Latin word 'ante' (used in classical Latin), continued as a combining form in Late/Medieval Latin, and entered English usage as the modern prefix 'ante-' through Middle English and learned borrowings.

Initially, it meant 'before' in Latin; over time it has largely retained that core meaning but is now primarily used as a bound prefix in English to form words meaning 'before' or 'preceding'.