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

A final reckoning with the Dervishes came 16 years later, at the climactic Battle of Omdurman.

From The Wall Street Journal

His death, and the conspiracies that swirled around it, would trigger a reckoning that has caused ripple effects in Washington and Wall Street, and has taken down some of his former friends.

From BBC

But though inflation has remained below 2% since May, they reckon the central bank will remain on hold at its last meeting of the year in December amid stronger-than-expected economic growth.

From The Wall Street Journal

That last figure represents the total amount of “improper payments” that the inspector general’s team reckon the Social Security Administration has avoided making during the past six months.

From MarketWatch

The majority of equity analysts and investors reckon the stock market will continue to rise in 2026, propelled by more interest rate cuts, a stoic economy and optimism over a broadening AI trade.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• calculate
• look upon
• take account of