en English es español fr française it italiano de deutsche ja 日本語 pl polski cs česky sv svenska tr Türkçe nl Nederlands

"Recon" vs. "reckon": words that travel different paths

Reviewed and edited by Anwar Kareem 14/04/2025, 12:43
English.me team member
Recon and reckon. What's the difference?

What is similar?

Both words are short, have only one letter difference, and share a similar "k" sound, making them prone to being confused in spelling or pronunciation.

What is different?

The word "recon" is a shorthand for reconnaissance and is often used in military or tactical contexts, referring to gathering information or scouting. "Reckon" means to think, suppose, or calculate, and it is more commonly used in general or conversational English. Their meanings and typical uses are distinct.

Which one is more common?

Internet search results for recon) and reckon

Examples of usage

Recon
  • The soldiers went on a recon mission to gather intelligence about enemy positions.
  • We need to do a quick recon of the area before proceeding.
  • He suggested a recon of the building to identify any potential risks.
Reckon
  • I reckon it'll rain later this afternoon.
  • Do you reckon we'll finish the project on time?
  • She reckons that moving to another city might solve her problems.

Recommended posts in Difference

"Logical" vs. "consistent": twin pillars of reason revealed

"Logical" vs. "consistent": twin pillars of reason revealed

Logical refers to reasoning that follows clear principles of validity. ... Learn more →

Exploring the nuances of "searching" vs. "seeking"

Exploring the nuances of "searching" vs. "seeking"

The word "searching" often implies a more systematic, thorough, or ... Learn more →

Binding words: "incapacitate" vs. "paralyze"

Binding words: "incapacitate" vs. "paralyze"

"Incapacitate" often implies a broader range of inability, including but ... Learn more →

The fine line: distinguishing "lawfully" from "legally"

The fine line: distinguishing "lawfully" from "legally"

"Lawfully" often implies being in alignment with legal principles or ... Learn more →