figure
A number or amount in digits
A number written on paper or shown in print.
[number] figure(s)
- The latest unemployment figures show a small improvement.
- She checked the figures before sending the report.
- Government figures indicate a rise in crime rates.
- The figure on the paper is 25.
- He wrote the figure 10 on the board.
- The figure is bigger than last year.
The shape of a person's body
The shape of a person's body.
slim figure / athletic figure
- She has an athletic figure from years of swimming.
- The dress flatters her figure.
- He admired her graceful figure from across the room.
- She has a slim figure.
- He has a strong figure.
- The dress makes her figure look nice.
To think or conclude something
To think something is true after looking at the facts.
figure (that) [clause]
- I figured you’d be tired after such a long trip.
- She figured it was too late to call.
- They figured the meeting would last about an hour.
- I figure he is at home now.
- She figures it will rain today.
- They figure we will win the game.
To solve or understand something by thinking
To find the answer to something by thinking.
figure out [something] / figure [something] out
- I can’t figure out how to open this jar.
- She finally figured out the answer to the puzzle.
- We need to figure out what went wrong.
- I can't figure out this question.
- He figured out how to fix the car.
- We figured out the right way.
A person shown in art or imagination
A person shown in art or in your mind.
- The painting shows a dark figure standing by the window.
- He became a prominent figure in politics.
- Figures from mythology often appear in ancient art.
- The picture has two figures in it.
- He is an important figure in history.
- I saw a strange figure outside.
- Base: figure
- Plural: figures
- Base: figure
- 3rd Person Singular: figures
- Present Participle: figuring
- Past: figured
figure of speech
1Non-literal expression for effect
A way of saying something where the words do not have their usual meaning, used to make it more interesting or strong.
- ‘I'm so hungry I could eat a horse’ is just a figure of speech.
- She used a figure of speech to make her point clear.
figure out
1Find an answer by thinking carefully
To understand something or find the answer by thinking about it.
- I can't figure out how to use this app.
- She figured out the puzzle after an hour.
figure out
8understand or solve
To think until you understand the answer or solution.
- Can you figure out why the printer isn't connecting?
- We need to figure out how to pay for the repairs.
- He finally figured out the answer.
go figure
1Express surprise at something odd or unexpected
Used to say you are surprised about something strange or hard to understand.
- He doesn't like pizza but loves anchovies—go figure.
- She studied all night and still failed—go figure.
public figure
1A well-known person in public life
A person who many people know about, often because of their job.
- The actor is a public figure who supports many charities.
- As a public figure, she must be careful what she says.