reckon
12 synonyms for reckon, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To think or suppose something, often used informally.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use reckon
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
reckon with
a force to be reckoned with
I reckon that
The "I reckon" sense meaning "I think/suppose" is informal and especially common in British, Irish, Australian and Southern US speech.
Etymology
From Old English gerecenian, "to explain or recount," going back to a Proto-Indo-European root meaning "to make straight or right" — the same root behind the Latin word for "straight," rectus.
Full origin of reckon →Frequently asked questions
What does “reckon” mean?
The word “reckon” means to think or suppose something, often used informally. In plain terms, to think/suppose something informally, to calculate a number, or (with "with") to take something seriously as a factor.
How do you pronounce “reckon”?
“Reckon” is pronounced REH-kuhn (/ˈɹɛkən/ in IPA).
How do you use “reckon” in a sentence?
Here is “reckon” used in a sentence: “I reckon it'll rain before evening.”
What part of speech is “reckon”?
“Reckon” is a verb.
Where does the word “reckon” come from?
The word “reckon” comes from Latin. From Old English gerecenian, "to explain or recount," going back to a Proto-Indo-European root meaning "to make straight or right" — the same root behind the Latin word for "straight," rectus.
Is “reckon” a common word?
“Reckon” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “reckon” have?
“Reckon” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to think or suppose something, often used informally.
What is the difference between reckon and think?
Reckon and think can both mean to hold an opinion or belief, but reckon is generally more informal and common in casual or regional speech, such as 'I reckon it'll rain.' Think is neutral and appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, making it the safer choice in writing.
What does it mean to reckon with something?
To reckon with someone or something means to take it seriously into account, especially as a difficulty that must be dealt with, as in 'a problem the company will have to reckon with.' This phrase usually implies confronting a significant challenge rather than simply noticing it.
Is reckon used in formal writing?
When it means 'to think or suppose,' reckon is generally informal and more common in speech than in formal writing. When it means 'to calculate,' as in reckoning a total or reckoning the date, it is more neutral and can appear in formal contexts, including legal and nautical usage.
