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What is the difference in usage of ”to reckon”, ”to suppose” and ”to guess”?


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wordsponge profile picture wordspongeJanuary 2021
Highly variable uses and basically synonymous. BUT.
Reckon is a word most often associated with the lower states of the United States. Originally it meant to calculate or count a sum. It can also mean to view an event or idea a certain way. Most often, people use it as a synonym for suppose. But again this is regional/ colloquial. To suppose means you have formed a theory or come to a conclusion about something with whatever knowledge you have. Incomplete information and you are forming a conclusion. To guess means that youre making a conclusion or are forming an opinion, but with even less information than you would have if you suppose. They are basically synonyms. At least how people commonly use them.

You can say, ”I suppose you’re right” when a friend is arguing against something you said and you either dont care enough to refute his/her argument or youre not sure who is right (in other words you’re not truly convinced, but maybe don’t have a counter argument).

To say I guess you’re right is to give the other person’s argument more weight or credence than ”I suppose”.

To say I reckon you’re right is highly colloquial and oddly gives the opposing argument even more weight or credence.

My advice, don’t say reckon. Use suppose if you agree, but arent totally certain. Use I guess if you are even less certain.

But please note that most people don’t even say suppose.

Message me please if you have questions. Im sure several more people will muddy the waters.
  • Vsevuskav profile picture VsevuskavJanuary 2021
    I say ”suppose” a lot, usually in the phrase ”I suppose so”, which I use when I reluctantly agree to do something that I don’t really want to do. In this case, ”guess” is a synonym of ”suppose”, but ”reckon” isn’t.
will_stewa profile picture will_stewaMay 2021
Reckon is used primarily in southern states. It is an informal usage. ”Do you think that is a good idea?”” I reckon so”. In ironic or sarcastic use it would be ”That was a bad wreck!” ”You reckon?”