figure
figure
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "figure" is /ˈfɪɡ.jər/.
fig: /ˈfɪɡ/
ure: /jər/
Word Form Variations
Noun: figure (singular), figures (plural)
Verb: figure (base form), figures (third person singular present), figured (past tense, past participle), figuring (present participle)
Adjective: figurative
Adverb: figuratively
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Figure
A number, especially one that forms part of a statistic or is used in a calculation.
Synonyms: number, digit, numeral, amount, quantity, statistic
Antonyms: word, concept (when contrasting numerical data)
The human form or a representation of it, especially in art.
Synonyms: shape, form, silhouette, physique, body, carving
Antonyms: abstraction, shapelessness
A person, especially one who is important or well-known in a particular field.
Synonyms: personage, individual, character, personality, notable, celebrity
Antonyms: nobody, unknown, nonentity
A diagram or illustration, typically in a book or publication.
Synonyms: diagram, illustration, drawing, chart, graph, plate
Antonyms: text, caption (when contrasting main content)
A shape, especially a geometric one.
Synonyms: shape, form, outline, pattern, design
Antonyms: shapelessness, void
Verb
Figure
To calculate or work out an amount or problem.
Synonyms: calculate, compute, reckon, determine, solve, ascertain
Antonyms: guess, estimate (if approximate), assume, miscalculate
To think or believe; to conclude.
Synonyms: think, believe, suppose, imagine, conclude, judge
Antonyms: doubt, disbelieve, question, reject
To be a prominent or significant part of (something).
Synonyms: appear, feature, play a role, be prominent, be included
Antonyms: be absent, be omitted, be minor, be excluded
Adjective
Figurative
Representing by means of a figure or symbol; not literal.
Synonyms: metaphorical, symbolic, allegorical, non-literal, representative
Antonyms: literal, factual, exact, plain
Adverb
Figuratively
In a way that deviates from literal meaning; metaphorically.
Synonyms: metaphorically, symbolically, allegorically, non-literally
Antonyms: literally, actually, plainly
Examples of Use
Books
Non-fiction (Finance/Statistics): Authors present data using "figures." A book on economics might state, "The latest employment figures show a slight increase" (Penguin Business, September 2024). Textbooks on geometry contain diagrams of various "figures" like squares and triangles.
Fiction: Characters might be described as "a shadowy figure" or a story might involve a character trying to "figure out a mystery." "Her slender figure was visible against the sunset."
Art History: Books on art often analyze the human "figure" in paintings and sculptures. "The artist masterfully rendered the reclining figure."
Newspapers
News Articles: Journalists report on financial or demographic "figures." A headline might read, "Inflation Figures Reach New High" (The Wall Street Journal, July 2025). Reports might mention "key political figures" attending a summit.
Sports Sections: Articles might discuss a team's win-loss "figures" or a player trying to "figure out their opponent's strategy."
Obituaries: Often refer to a deceased person as a "prominent figure" in their community or field.
Online Publications
Financial Websites: Stock market sites display real-time financial "figures" and charts. "See the latest stock market figures."
Tech Reviews: Reviewers might mention how a device's performance "figures into its overall value" or how a new chip can "figure out complex calculations quickly."
Social Media: Users might share infographics with compelling "figures" or describe historical "figures" they admire. "Can you figure out this puzzle?"
Educational Sites: Math tutorials teach how to "figure out percentages." Art history sites show examples of the human "figure" from different eras.
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms
Movies/TV Shows: Characters might try to "figure out a puzzle" or a mystery. A historical drama might center around a famous "figure." Dialogue might include, "I can't figure out what he's thinking."
Video Games: Players might encounter mysterious "figures" in the game world or collect data to "figure out a mission objective." Game statistics display various "figures" for player performance.
Music: Song lyrics sometimes reference abstract "figures" or trying to "figure out life."
Podcasts: Hosts discussing a complex topic might say, "We're trying to figure out the best way forward." Historical podcasts often delve into the lives of influential "figures."
General Public Discourse
Conversations: In daily speech, people commonly say, "Can you figure out how to assemble this?" or "I can't figure him out." "He's a well-known public figure."
Workplace: Colleagues discuss sales "figures," try to "figure out project timelines," or talk about influential "figures" in their industry.
Education: Students learn to "figure out math problems" or identify historical "figures."
Common Phrases: "Figure of speech" (a word or phrase used in a non-literal sense) or "figure it out" (solve a problem) are used regularly. "That's just a figure of speech."
10 Quotes Using Figure
"A public figure is someone who is famous for being famous." (Daniel J. Boorstin)
"Sometimes you just have to figure it out as you go, adapting to the path."
"The most compelling historical narratives always feature an unforgettable figure at their core."
"Don't let the daunting figures obscure the true human cost behind the statistics."
"To truly innovate, one must figure out what no one else has yet dared to imagine."
"A balanced perspective demands seeing beyond just the raw figures to the underlying context."
"The human figure remains an eternal and profound subject of artistic contemplation."
"He spent years trying to figure out the intricate patterns of the universe's greatest mysteries."
"Every significant challenge is ultimately a puzzle; it's up to us to figure it out."
"Behind every great movement and idea stands a courageous figure who dared to lead."
Etymology
The word "figure" comes from the Old French word "feture" or "faiture," which meant "form," "shape," or "make." This, in turn, derived from the Latin word "factura," meaning "a making" or "a forming." It's essentially about how something is shaped or put together.
The first known use of "figure" in English, with the meaning of "form, shape, especially of the body; part of the face," dates back to the early 14th century. It appeared in texts primarily referring to the distinct parts of a person's face. Over time, its meaning broadened to include any prominent or characteristic aspect of something, as well as a special article in media.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Figure
Figure it out: To find a solution to a problem or understand something. "Don't worry, I'll figure it out."
Figure on: To expect or plan for something. "We figure on arriving by noon."
Figure of speech: A word or phrase used in a non-literal sense for rhetorical or vivid effect. "That's just a figure of speech; I didn't mean it literally."
Figure skate: To perform elaborate movements on ice skates. "She practices daily to perfect her figure skating routine."
Cut a fine/poor figure: To present a good or bad impression. "The new manager cuts a very fine figure in meetings."
Go figure: Used to express surprise or disbelief at something illogical or unexpected. "He won the lottery twice? Go figure!"
Figure in: To be included or play a part in something. "His past mistakes didn't figure in the final decision."
Mathematical figure: A number or a shape used in mathematics. "The report contained several complex mathematical figures."
Leading figure: An important or influential person. "She is a leading figure in the scientific community."
Figure (something) out: To understand, solve, or deduce something. "Can you figure out this riddle?"
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of figure from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
