Reckoned
/ˈrɛkənd/
verbB2past tense
Definition
Reckoned is the past form of the verb "reckon," which means to think, believe, or calculate something. It is often used when someone gives their opinion or estimate about a fact or situation based on what they know or guess.
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See It in Action
To think or believe something
- •I reckoned he would arrive late because of the traffic.
- •She reckoned that the movie was very good.
- •They reckoned it was the best decision to stay home.
To calculate or estimate a number or amount
- •He reckoned the cost of the trip before booking.
- •We reckoned the time it would take to finish the work.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "reckoned" like "thought" (A1 word), but it often includes a sense of calculating or deciding after thinking carefully
- ✓Picture someone counting or adding numbers in their head before giving an answer
- ✓It's the feeling when you guess how much money you spent after shopping without checking the receipt
- ✓Sounds like "wreck-on-ed" → imagine someone fixing (reckoning) a problem after a small wreck (accident)
- ✓In stories, people say "I reckoned it would rain," meaning they believed rain was coming based on clouds or experience
- ✓NOT like "know" (certain fact), "reckon" is more about opinion or estimate, not 100% sure
- ✓NOT like "guess" (random idea), "reckon" is a more thoughtful or reasoned opinion, sometimes based on calculation
Try Other Words
- •Believed: to accept as true (Use when the opinion is more about trust or faith)
- •Estimated: to make an approximate calculation (Use when focusing on numbers or amounts)
- •Thought: to have an opinion or idea (Use in general, everyday situations)
- •Calculated: to work out mathematically (Use when the action involves exact numbers)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "reckon" (root verb) + "-ed" (past tense suffix meaning action happened before)
- •Etymology: From Old English "recenian," meaning to explain or relate, later evolving to mean calculate or think
- •Historical development: Used since Middle Ages in English for counting and then for thinking or believing
- •Modern usage: Common in informal and formal speech to express opinion, belief, or estimation
Reflect & Connect
•How do you decide when to "reckon" something instead of just guessing or knowing?
•Can "reckoning" be wrong? How does that affect decisions based on it?
Fill in the blanks
1.She reckoned the meeting would last ___ hour because of the agenda.
2.They reckoned that the team ___ win the match due to their strong players.
3.When asked about the price, he reckoned it was ___ than expected.
4.I reckoned the weather would be good ___ the clear sky in the morning.
5.Unlike a wild guess, reckoned opinions usually come after ___ some information.
6.After checking the map, they reckoned the trip would take ___ two hours.
7.He reckoned the problem ___ solved after the new plan was made.