reckon
REH-kuhn
Reckon (verb) means to think or suppose something, often used informally. Example: “I reckon it'll rain before evening.”
verb
1
To think or suppose something, often used informally.
"I reckon it'll rain before evening."
"She reckoned the trip would take about three hours."
"Do you reckon we should leave early to avoid the traffic?"
2
To calculate or work out a number or amount.
"The accountant reckoned the total cost of the project."
"Let me reckon how many chairs we need for all the wedding guests."
"Sailors once reckoned their position using speed, time and compass heading."
3
To reckon with someone or something: to take them seriously into account, especially as a difficulty to be dealt with.
"The new company is a force to be reckoned with."
"He hadn't reckoned with how stubborn his opponent would be."
"You will have to reckon with the weather if you plan a long hike."
How to use reckon
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo think/suppose something informally, to calculate a number, or (with "with") to take something seriously as a factor.
When to use it
The "I reckon" sense meaning "I think/suppose" is informal and especially common in British, Irish, Australian and Southern US speech.
Common pairings
reckon with
a force to be reckoned with
I reckon that
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Word forms
- Plural
- reckons
- Third person singular
- reckons
- Past tense
- reckoned
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
I _____ it'll rain before evening.
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.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for reckon
See all rhymes for 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.
