What does reckon mean?
Reckon is a versatile verb with meanings that range from precise calculation to informal supposition. In its most formal sense, it means to calculate or estimate an amount, cost, or probability, as when someone reckons the total expense of a project. In everyday conversation, people also use it to mean 'think' or 'suppose': a speaker might say, 'I reckon it will rain,' especially in British and American informal usage. Another established use is in the phrase 'reckon with,' meaning to consider the consequences of something or to take a difficulty seriously. The word is therefore useful when discussing both numerical estimation and judgment. Although its ordinary conversational tone can make it sound less formal than 'calculate' or 'consider,' it is widely accepted in standard English, while the sense of supposition is often more informal than the calculational sense.
To calculate or estimate the amount, value, or likelihood of something.
"We haven't reckoned the full cost of the repairs."
This is the more formal and calculational sense of the word.
To think, believe, or suppose that something is the case.
"I reckon the package will arrive tomorrow."
This sense is especially common in informal speech.
To consider or take account of a possibility, consequence, or difficulty.
"We had not reckoned with such a sharp increase in demand."
Usually used in the expression 'reckon with'.
From calculating numbers to making a considered guess, reckon covers both precise calculation and everyday judgment.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does reckon come from?
Reckon comes from Middle English reckonen, meaning to count, calculate, or reckon, and ultimately relates to Old English and Old Norse roots associated with counting and reckoning. The verb developed from the idea of calculating an amount to broader senses such as considering, expecting, and supposing. The related forms reckoner and reckoning preserve the same historical root and have long been used for the act or agent of reckoning.
Related word forms
How reckon is actually used
The meaning 'suppose' is common in informal British and American English. The expression 'reckon with' usually means to anticipate or take seriously a possibility or difficulty.
Easily confused with reckon
Reckon is a verb meaning to calculate, estimate, or suppose; reckoning is its related noun form, and reckoner is a person or thing that reckons.