WordGarden.ioreckon
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /rˈɛkən/
US
- /ˈrɛkən/
Meanings
Verb
to think or suppose
to calculate or estimate
to regard or judge as
Beyond the definition
"I reckon it's going to rain" doesn't mean you know it will rain, only that you think so. "Reckon" is a lot like saying "I guess" or "I think." It is very common in British and Australian English, and it is also heard in parts of the American South. Sometimes it means giving an opinion, and sometimes it means working something out, like the cost of groceries or the time a trip will take. So whether you are sharing a view or making a quick estimate, "reckon" is a useful, natural word for everyday speech.
"Reckon" is a fascinating word with roots stretching back centuries, carrying multiple meanings depending on context and region. At its heart, "reckon" means to form an opinion or judgment about something—to think or suppose. It's less certain than knowing and more informal than believing. You might hear someone say, "I reckon he'll be late," meaning they anticipate his tardiness but aren't entirely sure. This usage is particularly prevalent in the United Kingdom, Australia, and the Southern and Western United States, where it feels natural and conversational.
However, "reckon" also has a more concrete meaning: to calculate or estimate. Historically, this was one of its main meanings, tied to counting, settling accounts, and working things out. Think of an accountant reckoning expenses, or a sailor reckoning their position at sea. While less common in casual everyday speech today, you might still hear phrases like "reckon the cost" or "reckon the sum."
Additionally, "reckon" is frequently used as a phrasal verb—to reckon with something. This means to confront, acknowledge, or deal with a difficult situation or person. For example, "She had to reckon with her past mistakes" implies she needed to face and address them.
The word's origins lie in Old English, related to words meaning "to account" or "to consider." Over time, it evolved to encompass both estimation and calculation, reflecting the way humans naturally assess situations and make judgments. Whether you're casually sharing an opinion, carefully calculating a sum, or bravely facing a challenge, "reckon" is a word that speaks to our ability to think, estimate, and confront the world around us.
Examples
- 1
Informal opinion
I reckon it'll take about an hour to get there.
- UsageI reckon
I think; informal, especially in British, Australian, and some US English
- 2
Asking opinion
Do you reckon we should book the tickets now?
- PatternDo you reckon + clause?
Do you think + clause?
- 3
Cost estimate
We reckoned the repairs would cost less than they did.
- 4
Planning assumption
We hadn't reckoned on the hotel being so far from the station.
- Patternreckon on + thing/event
expect it and include it in your plans
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
General reputation
She's widely reckoned to be one of the best doctors in the city.
- Patternbe reckoned to be + description
be generally considered to be that thing
- 6
Personal calculation
By my reckoning, there are still three days left before the deadline.
- Phraseby my reckoning
in my opinion, or based on my calculation
- 7
Business difficulty
The company finally had to reckon with falling sales.
- Patternreckon with + difficult thing
face and deal with it
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- reckonverb
Forms
- reckoning-ing formverb
- reckonedpast tenseverb
- reckonsverb