reckon
B1-B2 (Common, especially in informal spoken contexts)Primarily informal and conversational in both UK and US English. More formal meanings (e.g., calculation) can appear in technical contexts.
Definition
Meaning
To think, believe, or suppose something is true or likely.
To calculate or estimate something; to have a particular opinion about something; (informal) to expect or plan for something; (chiefly US) to regard someone or something in a specified way.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
In its main sense, often interchangeable with 'think', 'believe', or 'suppose', but can carry a nuance of personal judgement or estimation. In UK informal speech, frequently used as a discourse marker: 'I reckon...'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'reckon' is extremely common in informal speech meaning 'think'. In the US, it is also used but can carry a rustic or Southern connotation; 'figure' is a more common equivalent. The meaning 'to regard someone as' (He is reckoned a genius) is more formal and found in both varieties.
Connotations
UK: Neutral informal, very widespread. US: Can sound folksy, informal, or regionally marked (Western/Southern).
Frequency
Substantially higher frequency in UK spoken English than in US spoken English for the 'think/believe' meaning.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
SVO: I reckon [it's true].SVO that-clause: She reckons [that we should leave].SVOC: They reckon [him the best].SVOA (with prep): He didn't reckon [with her determination].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a force to be reckoned with”
- “reckon without (someone/something)”
- “reckon on (something)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in finance/accounting for 'calculate' (reckon the costs).
Academic
Formal passive used in evaluations: 'Shakespeare is widely reckoned to be...'
Everyday
Very common in UK/Aus/NZ informal conversation: 'What do you reckon?', 'I reckon it'll rain.'
Technical
In surveying or navigation: 'to reckon a position'.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- I reckon we should head to the pub.
- Do you reckon it'll clear up later?
- He's reckoned to be a bit of an expert.
American English
- I reckon we ought to start back soon.
- They reckoned the damage at over ten thousand dollars.
- She is reckoned among the top scholars in her field.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I reckon it's time for lunch.
- What do you reckon?
- I reckon she'll be late again.
- Experts reckon the population will grow.
- He hadn't reckoned with the possibility of a strike.
- The company is widely reckoned to be the market leader.
- They are a political force to be reckoned with.
- We reckoned without the volatility of the currency markets.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a RECKon-ing: it's about thinking, calculating, or judging a situation.
Conceptual Metaphor
THINKING IS CALCULATING (to reckon originally meant 'to count' or 'to arrange').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with Russian 'реконструкция' (reconstruction).
- The common UK meaning is best translated as 'думать', 'считать' (в значении мнения), not 'подсчитывать'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'reckon' in very formal written contexts where 'consider', 'believe', or 'deem' is required.
- Overusing it in American English where it may sound affected.
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is 'reckon' (meaning 'think') most common and neutral in informal speech?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily informal, especially when meaning 'think' or 'suppose'. More formal uses exist, like 'reckoned to be' (considered).
In informal American English, 'figure' is a very common synonym (I figure he's about 40). 'Think' or 'guess' are also neutral.
It describes a person or thing so powerful or strong that they must be taken seriously and cannot be ignored.
Yes, this is its original meaning and is still used in contexts like accounting, navigation, or estimation (reckon the total, reckon the cost).
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