Figure
/ˈfɪɡər/
Definitions
7 meaningsA numerical symbol, a digit; an amount expressed numerically.
/ˈfɪɡər/
A numerical symbol or amount.
The final figure for the sales was $1 million.
💡 Simply: It's like a number! You use figures to count things or show how much of something there is. Like, the figure 5 shows how many fingers you have on one hand!
👶 For kids: A number, like 1, 2, or 3. It tells you how much of something.
More Examples
Please calculate the figures for the revenue report.
How It's Used
"The final figure for the budget was released today."
"The company's figures showed a significant profit last quarter."
A diagram, illustration, or a representation of a person or thing.
/ˈfɪɡər/
A diagram or illustration.
The textbook contained several figures to explain the concept.
💡 Simply: It's like a drawing or a picture. Think about a picture of a person or a drawing in a book.
👶 For kids: A picture or drawing.
More Examples
The artist sketched the figure of a dancer.
How It's Used
"Figure 3 illustrates the experimental setup."
"The painting displayed a beautiful human figure."
The shape or outline of a person or animal; the human body.
/ˈfɪɡər/
A human form or body.
The athlete has a powerful figure.
💡 Simply: It's the shape of a person! Like, you, or a superhero, or even a cartoon character. It's the outline of their body.
👶 For kids: The shape of a person or animal.
More Examples
A shadowy figure moved through the forest.
How It's Used
"The sculpture depicts a female figure."
"The mysterious figure appeared in the shadows."
A person of importance or influence.
/ˈfɪɡər/
A prominent person.
She's a leading figure in the fashion industry.
💡 Simply: It's someone important, someone who is famous or has a lot of power. Like a celebrity or a leader.
👶 For kids: An important person, like a president or a famous singer.
More Examples
The report highlighted several key figures in the project's success.
How It's Used
"He was a key figure in the peace negotiations."
"Abraham Lincoln was a towering figure in American history."
To calculate or compute something; to determine mathematically.
/ˈfɪɡər/
To calculate or compute.
I need to figure out how much this trip will cost.
💡 Simply: It means to work something out, usually by using numbers. Like figuring out how much money you need.
👶 For kids: To work out an answer, like in math.
More Examples
Could you help me figure this problem out?
How It's Used
"Can you figure out the total cost?"
"I'm trying to figure out the solution to this equation."
To think, suppose, or believe something.
/ˈfɪɡər/
To think or believe.
I figure we should leave early to avoid the traffic.
💡 Simply: It means you think something is true or you believe something will happen. Like, 'I figure it's time for a snack!'
👶 For kids: To think or believe something.
More Examples
I figure she'll be late.
How It's Used
"I figure it will rain later."
"I figure that's a good idea."
To appear or be noticeable; to play a significant role.
/ˈfɪɡər/
To appear or be noticeable.
Her name figured prominently in the investigation.
💡 Simply: It means to be important or noticeable. Like, if your school wins the soccer game, your school is going to figure prominently in the news.
👶 For kids: To show up and be important.
More Examples
His contribution to the project figured greatly.
How It's Used
"The moon figured prominently in the poem's imagery."
"The artist's work figured in the exhibition."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
figure of speech
A word or phrase used in a non-literal sense for rhetorical or vivid effect.
"Similes, metaphors, and personification are all figures of speech."
figure out
To understand or find a solution to something.
"I'm trying to figure out how to fix this."
in figure
In the form of a numeral or illustration.
"The data was presented in figure."
From Old French *figure* (12th c.) and Latin *figūra* ('shape, form, figure'), from *fingere* ('to form, mold').
The word 'figure' has been used in English since the 12th century, initially referring to shape or form, later expanding to include numbers and important people.
Memory tip
Think of the digits in a number.
Word Origin
"shape, form"