1 C1 idiomatic formal
to depend on someone or something for help, support, or a result
"We were reckoning upon your advice when we made the final decision."
inseparable
reckon upon
C1 formal inseparable transitive
to expect or depend on someone or something
In plain English
to think something will happen or to trust something to help you
What does "reckon upon" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic formal
to expect something to happen or to assume that something will be available
"They had reckoned upon good weather for the outdoor concert."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
to calculate or think based upon something
Actually means
to think something will happen or to trust something to help you
Usage tip
This expression is uncommon in modern everyday English and often sounds old-fashioned, literary, or regional. It is usually followed by a noun or pronoun.
Words that pair with "reckon upon"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
help support success cooperation weather friends
How to conjugate "reckon upon"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
reckon upon
I/you/we/they
3rd person
reckons upon
he/she/it
Past simple
reckoned upon
yesterday
Past participle
reckoned upon
have + pp
-ing form
reckoning upon
continuous
Hear "reckon upon" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "reckon upon" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "reckon upon"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.