reckoning
IPA
Definition of 'reckoning'
A decisive moment or a time of judgment and evaluation, where one's actions, decisions, or behavior are confronted and assessed.
"The team's failure in the championship was a reckoning that prompted them to reevaluate their training methods."
Detailed Meaning of 'reckoning'
It represents a critical point where the consequences of past choices or events come to light and demand attention. In this context, a reckoning often entails facing the truth, accepting responsibility, and experiencing the repercussions of one's actions. It can involve introspection, self-reflection, and the need to make amends or seek redemption. A reckoning can be personal, affecting an individual's life or conscience, or it can extend to a broader societal or collective level, where the consequences of collective actions or historical events are confronted and addressed. Ultimately, a reckoning serves as an opportunity for growth, transformation, and a renewed understanding of oneself and one's place in the world.
Examples of 'reckoning' in a Sentence
1. The reckoning for his reckless behavior finally arrived, as he faced the consequences of his actions.
2. The company's financial reckoning forced them to lay off several employees and reevaluate their business strategies.
3. After years of denying his mistakes, he had a moment of reckoning and admitted his faults.
4. The country underwent a painful reckoning with its dark history, confronting the atrocities committed in the past.
5. She knew that her reckoning with the truth was inevitable, even though it terrified her.
6. The reckoning in the courtroom revealed the true extent of the defendant's crimes.
Origins & Etymology of 'reckoning'
The noun 'reckoning' has its etymological roots in Middle English, where it was used as 'reknyng.' It can be traced back to the Old English word 'reccan,' which means 'to recount' or 'to narrate.' Over time, its meaning evolved to encompass the idea of calculation, assessment, or judgment. The term 'reckoning' now refers to a decisive moment or a time of judgment and evaluation, where one's actions, decisions, or behavior are confronted and assessed. Its etymology underscores the concept of recounting or evaluating one's deeds and decisions, making it a fitting term to describe a critical juncture where one's past choices come to bear on the present.
Synonyms
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