Figured

'fɪɡəd

verbBeginner🔥Very CommonGeneral
4 meanings3 questions

Definitions

4 meanings
1

To calculate or ascertain an amount or value.

'fɪɡə(r)

verbneutralBeginner
General

To calculate or determine a number or amount.

I figured out how much money I needed.

💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to find out how much your new shoes cost. Figuring means you do the math to find the price!

👶 For kids: To find out the answer by using math!

More Examples

2

Can you figure out the total cost?

3

They figured the average score.

How It's Used

Business

"The accountant figured the total cost of the project."

Mathematics

"She figured out the solution to the equation."

2

To think, believe, or suppose.

'fɪɡə(r)

verbneutralBeginner
General

To think or consider something; to suppose.

I figured he would be late.

💡 Simply: It's like you're thinking in your head, like 'I figured you'd want ice cream after dinner.'

👶 For kids: To think or guess about something.

More Examples

2

She figured that it was the right decision.

3

I figured that you'd be hungry.

How It's Used

Everyday Conversation

"I figured you'd be home by now."

Informal Writing

"She figured it would be a good idea."

Tip:Imagine forming a thought or a figure in your mind – figuring something out.
3

To appear or be presented in a particular form or shape.

'fɪɡə(r)

verbneutralmedium
General

To appear in a certain form or shape.

A tall man figured in the distance.

💡 Simply: Imagine a silhouette on the wall – that's figuring as an appearance!

👶 For kids: To show up or look like something.

More Examples

2

The mountain figured against the skyline.

3

A strange shape figured in the fog.

How It's Used

Literature

"A dark shape figured in the shadows."

Tip:Think of a figure or outline emerging.
4

To be included or take part in something.

'fɪɡə(r)

verbneutralmedium
General

To be included or play a part.

She figured in the success of the project.

💡 Simply: Imagine a person being part of a group, or taking part in a play - they're figuring into it!

👶 For kids: To be part of a group or event.

More Examples

2

The town's history figured significantly in the novel.

3

His advice figured prominently in their decision.

How It's Used

Formal Writing

"He figured prominently in the negotiations."

Tip:Consider how a person 'figures' or is present in a scene or action.

From Middle English *figuren*, from Old French *figurer* ("to shape, form"), from Latin *figura* ("a form, shape").

Used since the 14th century. Initially referring to shape and form, its meaning expanded to include calculation and supposition.

Memory tip

Think of figuring out the numbers on a calculator to find the total.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"form, shape"

figure outfigure prominentlyfigure it (that)figure in

Common misspellings

figguredfiguerd

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written