figure
B1Neutral to formal, depending on meaning (e.g., 'figure out' is informal).
Definition
Meaning
A number, a shape, or a person of importance.
To calculate, to appear, or to understand/think something.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word spans concrete (number, shape) and abstract (to reason, to appear) concepts. The verb 'to figure' often implies a process of reasoning or calculation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In American English, 'figure' is commonly used as a verb meaning 'to think/believe' ('I figured he'd be late'). This use is less common in UK English. 'Figure on' (to plan on) is primarily American. The verb for understanding a problem ('figure out') is used in both, but is more casual in the UK.
Connotations
In both varieties, 'public figure' has a formal, important connotation. In finance, 'figure' refers to a sum of money. The use of 'figure' to mean 'body shape' can be neutral or sensitive depending on context.
Frequency
Very high frequency in both varieties, especially in its noun forms (number, shape). The phrasal verb 'figure out' is extremely common in AmE and common in BrE.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
figure (that) + clausefigure + wh-clausefigure + obj + outfigure + as + nounfigure + in/into + planVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “go figure”
- “cut a fine figure”
- “figure of fun”
- “put a figure on it”
- “a figure of speech”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to financial data, projections, and key individuals (e.g., 'The quarterly figures look strong.', 'She's a leading figure in the industry.').
Academic
Used for numerical data, diagrams, and important thinkers (e.g., 'See Figure 3.1.', 'He is a central figure in post-colonial theory.').
Everyday
Common for body shape, working something out, or a person seen from a distance (e.g., 'I need to watch my figure.', 'Can you figure the bill?', 'I saw a figure in the doorway.').
Technical
In geometry, a defined shape; in art, a representation of a person; in finance, a numerical value.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- I can't figure how the mechanism works.
- He figures prominently in the report.
- Let's figure the total cost before committing.
American English
- I figure we should leave by noon.
- How did you figure that out so fast?
- Did you figure in the tax?.
adjective
British English
- It was a figure-hugging dress.
- The sculptor specialises in figure modelling.
- He's a figure-conscious athlete.
American English
- She bought a figure-flattering outfit.
- The artist attended figure-drawing class.
- The report lacked figure-specific data.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The little boy drew a stick figure.
- What is the figure eight?
- I saw a dark figure in the garden.
- The sales figures are good this month.
- She is an important figure in local politics.
- Can you figure out the answer?
- The exact figures will be released next week.
- He cut a lonely figure standing on the platform.
- I figured that you might need some help.
- The minister is a controversial figure, often criticised in the press.
- It's difficult to put an accurate figure on the losses.
- Archaeologists are trying to figure out the purpose of the artefact.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a FIGURE-skater tracing a NUMBER (figure) on the ice with their skates, making a beautiful SHAPE (figure). You have to FIGURE OUT what number they're drawing.
Conceptual Metaphor
THINKING IS CALCULATING ('Let me figure that out.'), IMPORTANCE IS SIZE/LOCATION ('a major figure in history'), UNDERSTANDING IS GRASPING ('I can't figure him out.').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'фигура' for a geometric shape only; 'figure' is broader (number, person). The verb 'figure out' is not 'фигурировать' (to appear/feature) but rather 'понять/вычислить'. 'Public figure' is a 'общественный деятель', not 'публичная фигура'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'figure' as a synonym for 'face' (wrong: *'I recognized his figure.' Correct: '...his face/figure from behind.'). Confusing 'figure' (number) with 'digit' (0-9). Overusing 'I figure' in formal UK writing.
Practice
Quiz
In American English, 'I figure...' most closely means:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends. As a noun ('public figure', 'financial figures'), it's neutral to formal. The phrasal verb 'figure out' is informal. The verb 'figure' meaning 'to think' ('I figure...') is informal, especially in American English.
A 'figure' is a written symbol for a number (like '7') or a numerical value, often used for sums of money or statistics. A 'number' is more abstract and general. We say 'a six-figure salary' (not 'six-number'), but 'a large number of people'.
Yes, it can refer to a person, especially one of note or importance (e.g., 'a public figure', 'a key figure'), or simply a person's shape seen indistinctly (e.g., 'a shadowy figure').
Yes, 'go figure' is a common, informal idiom (originally American, now used elsewhere) expressing that something is surprising, ironic, or hard to understand. It's equivalent to 'isn't that strange?'.