English Explanatory Dictionary

reckless

English dictionary entry

Meanings

adj
  1. Careless or heedless; headstrong or rash.
  2. Indifferent or oblivious to danger or the consequences thereof.
name
  1. A surname.

Pronunciation

/ˈɹɛkləs/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-reckless.wav

Word forms

reckless recklesser more reckless recklessest most reckless rechless retchless

Etymology

Etymology tree Proto-Germanic *rōkijaną Proto-West Germanic *rōkijan Old English rēċan Proto-Indo-European *lewh₁- Proto-Indo-European *lewHs-der. Proto-Germanic *leusaną Proto-Germanic *lausaz Proto-Germanic *-lausaz Proto-West Germanic *-laus Old English -lēas Old English rēċelēas Middle English rekles English reckless From Middle English rekles, reckeles, rekkeles, (also recheles), from Old English rēcelēas (“reckless, careless, negligent”), equivalent to reck + -less. Cognate with West Frisian roekeleas (“reckless”), Dutch roekeloos (“reckless”), German Low German ruuklos (“careless”), German ruchlos (“careless, notorious”).

Synonyms

daring devil-may-care headstrong heedless impetuous imprudent impulsive precipitant precipitate precipitous quick-and-dirty rash reckless sudden temeritous

Antonyms

reckful attentive audient careful cautious heedful

Related words

brave cavalier hasty hotheaded self-destructive uncaring arrogance cheeky maverick pride

Derived words

reckless endangerment recklessly recklessness
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