reckon

[ rek-uhn ]

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.

verb (used without object)

1. to count; make a computation or calculation.
2. to settle accounts, as with a person (often followed by up ).
3. to count, depend, or rely, as in expectation (often followed by on ).
4. Chiefly Midland and Southern U.S. to think or suppose.

verb phrase

1. 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

/ 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. intrfoll bywith 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. to be reckoned with
    of considerable importance or influence

Other Words From

• reckon·a·ble adjective
• outreckon verb (used with object)
• pre·reckon verb (used with object)
• under·reckon verb (used with object)
• un·reckon verb (used with object)
• un·reckon·a·ble adjective
• un·reckoned adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of reckon¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of reckon¹

Old English ( ge ) recenian recount; related to Old Frisian rekenia , Old High German rehhanón to count

Idioms and Phrases

In addition to the idiom beginning with reckon , also see force to be reckoned with .

Example Sentences

The governor’s shuffle, in Madrid’s view, personifies a reckoning happening within a Democratic Party focused on identity politics in 2024 without realizing that Trump was winning over voters on economic issues.

From Los Angeles Times

Does White reckon the Dirty Three downed more than $60 worth of booze?

From Los Angeles Times

But it’s many movies in one — a screwball comedy, a tense reckoning with reality, a story of wealth and power, a tender love story.

From Los Angeles Times

"The best thing that came out of this is that they know we are a force to be reckoned with," he said.

From BBC

It is reckoned to produce at least three-quarters of the world’s lithium batteries and more than 60% of the global market for electric vehicles.

From BBC

Related Words

• calculate
• look upon
• take account of