Reckoning
Word of the Day
What is Reckoning?
noun
The time when consequences must be faced or accounts are settled.
Pronunciation
Why This Word?
Chosen to mark how truth — however long delayed — always demands its moment, whether in justice, relationships, or history.
Examples of Use
Here's how this word appears in everyday language:
After years of silence, a reckoning finally came.
The financial reckoning hit after years of unchecked spending.
It was a day of reckoning — personal, painful, and necessary.
Word Origins
Old English gerecenian meaning “to recount or relate”
Originally used in the sense of calculation or narration; it evolved to mean judgment, especially of moral or spiritual accounts.
First appearance in English: Old English (before 12th century)
Word Family
Related forms of this word:
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Verb:
He reckoned it was time to speak the truth.
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Noun:
It was a moment of moral judgment.
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Noun:
The legal settlement brought financial reckoning.
Around the World
How this word appears in other languages:
- Spanish: ajuste de cuentas
- French: règlement de comptes
- German: Abrechnung
- Italian: resa dei conti
- Portuguese: acerto de contas
If you Already Know This Word
If you've mastered this word, try these more advanced alternatives:
Judgment
“Judgment” implies legal or moral decision; “reckoning” implies a broader personal or historical consequence.
Retribution
“Retribution” is focused on punishment; “reckoning” may be redemptive or reflective.
Consequence
“Consequence” is neutral; “reckoning” is heavy, final, and often long-awaited.
Fun Facts
- The phrase “day of reckoning” has appeared in sermons and political speeches for centuries.
- The nautical phrase “dead reckoning” refers to estimating one’s position — a literal calculation of location.
Cultural Usage
- Truth and reconciliation commissions are a form of national reckoning with injustice.
- Many spiritual traditions speak of a final reckoning, when souls are judged.
Common Mistakes
Sometimes confused with “judgment” or “consequence”; “reckoning” is broader and implies long-awaited resolution.
Micro Story
The country faced a reckoning over its past injustices and broken promises.