reckon

American  

[rek-uhn] / ˈrɛk ən /

verb (used with object)

1. to count, compute, or calculate, as in number or amount.

   Synonyms:

   enumerate

2. to esteem or consider; regard as.

   to be reckoned an authority in the field.

   Synonyms:

   judge, estimate, deem, account

3. Chiefly Midland and Southern U.S. to think or suppose.

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verb (used without object)

1. to count; make a computation or calculation.

2. to settle accounts, as with a person (often followed byup ).

3. to count, depend, or rely, as in expectation (often followed byon ).

4. Chiefly Midland and Southern U.S. to think or suppose.

verb phrase

1. reckon with

   1. to include in consideration or planning; anticipate.

      He hadn't reckoned with so many obstacles.

   2. to deal with.

      I have to reckon with many problems every day.

reckon British  

/ ˈrɛkən /

verb

1. to calculate or ascertain by calculating; compute

2. (tr) to include; count as part of a set or class

   I reckon her with the angels

3. (usually passive) to consider or regard

   he is reckoned clever

4. (when tr, takes a clause as object) to think or suppose; be of the opinion

   I reckon you don't know where to go next

5. to settle accounts (with)

6. (intr; foll by with or without) to take into account or fail to take into account

   the bully reckoned without John's big brother

7. (intr; foll by on or upon) to rely or depend

   I reckon on your support in this crisis

8. slang (tr) to regard as good

   I don't reckon your chances of success

9. informal (tr) to have a high opinion of

   she was sensitive to bad reviews, even from people she did not reckon

10. of considerable importance or influence

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reckon Idioms  

More idioms and phrases containing reckon

• force to be reckoned with

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Other Word Forms

• outreckon verb (used with object)
• prereckon verb (used with object)
• reckonable adjective
• underreckon verb (used with object)
• unreckon verb (used with object)
• unreckonable adjective
• unreckoned adjective

Etymology

Origin of reckon

First recorded before 1000; Middle English rekenen, Old English gerecenian “to report, pay”; cognate with German rechnen “to compute”

Example Sentences

Unified board member Gonez likened the resolution to a “reckoning at all levels of government and across our educational institutions.”

From Los Angeles Times

The worldwide moral reckoning spurred many nations, including the United States, to adopt new laws which offer protection to those fleeing persecution.

From Los Angeles Times

Sunday’s accident comes at a moment of reckoning for U.S. aviation safety, long viewed as the global gold standard.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Each day the war rages, we see a reckoning slowly approaching.”

From MarketWatch

Even if the Strait of Hormuz reopens, urea prices may stay elevated as damaged facilities take time to repair, he reckons.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• calculate
• look upon
• take account of