# anti

/ˈænˌtaɪ/ (US) · /ˈænti/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/anti
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. opposed to something

adjective · CEFR B1

being against a particular idea, person, or plan.

For teachers: expressing or characterised by opposition to a specific concept, policy, or individual.

- Most of the people at the meeting were anti the new tax plan.
- The local council remained staunchly anti the proposed development, citing concerns over increased traffic and the loss of green space.

Usage: Often used as a predicative adjective after the verb 'to be'.

### 2. an opponent

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

a person who is against a certain idea or law.

For teachers: a person who opposes a particular principle, policy, or movement.

- The debate was split between the pros and the antis.
- The antis argued that the new regulation would stifle innovation, while supporters claimed it was necessary for public safety.

Usage: Usually used in the plural form 'antis' when contrasting two groups.

### 3. a hostile fan

noun · CEFR C1 · Slang · Informal

a person who hates a specific celebrity, show, or fictional couple and often attacks them online.

For teachers: a person who actively opposes or criticises a specific creator, franchise, or fictional relationship, often within online fan communities.

- She had to block a few antis who were leaving mean comments on her fan art.
- The online forum became toxic as antis and dedicated fans clashed over the controversial direction of the show's final season.

Usage: Commonly used in social media contexts and internet subcultures.

Teaching tip: This sense is specific to modern internet culture; learners should be aware it can carry a very negative or judgmental tone.

### 4. against

preposition · CEFR B1 · Informal

a short way of saying 'against' or 'opposed to'.

For teachers: functioning as a preposition to indicate opposition to a noun phrase.

- Are you pro or anti the new school rules?
- The senator's voting record is consistently anti any legislation that increases government spending.

Usage: Often paired with 'pro' in questions to ask for an opinion.

## Examples

- I am not anti-progress, but I want to protect our history.
- The local community is strongly anti the new highway proposal because of the noise it will bring.
- While the candidate claimed to be anti-establishment, her voting record suggested a deep alignment with traditional party interests and corporate lobbyists.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.