figure out
High (B1+)Informal to neutral. Common in spoken and written English, but less formal than 'determine', 'ascertain', or 'deduce'.
Definition
Meaning
To solve a problem, understand a situation, or find an answer through thinking, investigation, or calculation.
To understand the character, motives, or reasons behind someone's behaviour or a complex situation; to determine the solution to a puzzle or mystery.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies a process of mental effort, often involving piecing together information. Can be used for both concrete problems (math) and abstract situations (relationships).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or frequency. Slight preference in British English for 'work out' in some contexts (e.g., maths).
Connotations
Equally neutral/informal in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely common in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] figure out [Object (problem/person)][Subject] figure out [Wh-clause (what/how/why)][Subject] figure [Object] out (phrasal verb separation possible)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Figure it out! (imperative: solve it yourself)”
- “I can't figure him out. (I don't understand his behaviour)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"We need to figure out a more cost-effective supply chain."
Academic
"The researchers are trying to figure out the causal relationship between the variables."
Everyday
"I can't figure out how to assemble this bookshelf."
Technical
"The engineer figured out the flaw in the circuit design."
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- I'll need a moment to figure out the bill.
- Can you figure her out? She's so unpredictable.
- We finally figured out how to get to the venue using the back roads.
American English
- I need to figure out my taxes.
- He's trying to figure out the new software.
- Let's figure out a plan for the weekend.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I can't figure out this phone.
- Figure out the total cost.
- We need to figure out where we are on the map.
- She couldn't figure out why he was angry.
- Archaeologists are trying to figure out the purpose of the ancient tool.
- It took me years to figure out what I wanted to do with my life.
- The committee is attempting to figure out a compromise that satisfies all stakeholders.
- He's a complex individual; I've never quite been able to figure him out.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a FIGURE (a number or shape) that is OUT of a puzzle box. You need to get it OUT by solving the puzzle.
Conceptual Metaphor
UNDERSTANDING IS SEEING ("I see what you mean"), PROBLEMS ARE PUZZLES/LOCKS (to be solved/opened).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate literally as "фигурировать" (to appear/feature).
- Avoid confusing with "figure" as a noun meaning shape or number.
- Closest conceptual equivalents: "разобраться", "понять", "додуматься".
Common Mistakes
- *I figured out it. (Incorrect word order; must be "I figured it out.")
- Using in overly formal contexts where 'determine' or 'ascertain' is expected.
- Confusing with 'find out' (which often implies discovering a fact, not necessarily solving).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'figure out' used INCORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is informal to neutral. In very formal writing, prefer 'determine', 'ascertain', 'deduce', or 'resolve'.
Not always. 'Find out' often means to discover a fact or piece of information ("I found out his name"). 'Figure out' implies a process of reasoning or calculation to solve or understand ("I figured out how he did the trick").
The pronoun must go between the verb and the particle: "figure it out", "figure them out". Saying "figure out it" is incorrect.
They are often synonyms, especially for problems. 'Work out' can be slightly more common in UK English and has additional meanings related to exercise or successful development ("Things worked out well").