The word "reckons up" is spelled /ˈrɛkənz ʌp/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable "reck" is pronounced with the short "e" sound, followed by a stressed "uh" in the second syllable. The consonant cluster "kn" is represented by the letter "k" and the symbol "n" to indicate a silent "k". The final syllable "up" is pronounced with the short "u" sound followed by a glottal stop. "Reckons up" means to calculate or tally.
The phrase "reckons up" is a phrasal verb that is made up of the verb "reckon" and the preposition "up." Here is a definition of the phrase:
To "reckon up" means to calculate or tally up a total or sum of something. It involves the act of carefully considering and adding together various factors or quantities to arrive at a final reckoning. This phrase is commonly used in informal and colloquial settings.
When someone "reckons up," they are engaging in a process of mental computation in order to determine a precise figure or outcome. It often involves analyzing and quantifying different components or elements that contribute to the overall result. The act of reckoning up might involve taking stock of possessions, estimating expenses, or evaluating costs and benefits.
"Reckoning up" may also have a figurative meaning, expressing the idea of assessing or evaluating a situation or outcome. It can involve examining past events, weighing possibilities, and drawing conclusions based on careful consideration.
In summary, "reckoning up" involves the process of calculating or determining an accurate total or sum of something. It can be done both in a literal sense, when adding numbers or quantities, and in a figurative sense, when assessing or evaluating a situation.
The phrase "reckons up" is derived from the verb "reckon", which comes from the Old English word "recenian" meaning "to count, calculate, or enumerate". Over time, the term "reckon" evolved and gained various meanings, including "to consider", "to think", or "to estimate". The addition of the word "up" in the phrase "reckons up" implies the action of totaling or calculating a number, amount, or result.