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figure out

 [fig-yer; especially Brit. fig-er]   Origin

fig·ure

   [fig-yer; especially Brit. fig-er] noun, verb, fig·ured, fig·ur·ing.
noun
1.
a numerical symbol, especially an Arabic numeral.
2.
an amount or value expressed in numbers.
3.
figures, the use of numbers in calculating; arithmetic: to be poor at figures.
4.
a written symbol other than a letter.
5.
form or shape, as determined by outlines or exterior surfaces: to be round, square, or cubical in figure.
EXPAND
6.
the bodily form or frame: a slender or graceful figure.
7.
an individual bodily form or a person with reference to form or appearance: A tall figure stood in the doorway.
8.
a character or personage, especially one of distinction: a well-known figure in society.
9.
a person's public image or presence: a controversial political figure.
10.
the appearance or impression made by a person or sometimes a thing: to make quite a figure in financial circles; to present a wretched figure of poverty.
11.
a representation, pictorial or sculptured, especially of the human form: The frieze was bordered with the figures of men and animals.
12.
an emblem, type, or symbol: The dove is a figure of peace.
13.
Rhetoric. a figure of speech.
14.
a textural pattern, as in cloth or wood: draperies with an embossed silk figure.
15.
a distinct movement or division of a dance.
16.
a movement, pattern, or series of movements in skating.
17.
Music. a short succession of musical notes, as either a melody or a group of chords, that produces a single complete and distinct impression.
18.
Geometry. a combination of geometric elements disposed in a particular form or shape: The circle, square, and polygon are plane figures. The sphere, cube, and polyhedron are solid figures.
19.
Logic. the form of a categorical syllogism with respect to the relative position of the middle term.
20.
Optics. the precise curve required on the surface of an optical element, especially the mirror or correcting plate of a reflecting telescope.
21.
the natural pattern on a sawed wood surface produced by the intersection of knots, burls, growth rings, etc.
22.
a phantasm or illusion.
COLLAPSE
verb (used with object)
23.
to compute or calculate (often followed by up): to figure up a total.
24.
to express in figures.
25.
to mark or adorn with a design or pattern.
26.
to portray by speech or action.
27.
to represent or express by a figure of speech.
EXPAND
28.
to represent by a pictorial or sculptured figure, a diagram, or the like; picture or depict; trace (an outline, silhouette, etc.).
29.
Informal. to conclude, judge, reason, or think about: I figured that you wanted me to stay.
30.
Music.
a.
to embellish with passing notes or other decorations.
b.
to write figures above or below (a bass part) to indicate accompanying chords.
COLLAPSE

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Figure out is always a great word to know.
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the offspring of a zebra and a donkey.
a stew of meat, vegetables, potatoes, etc.
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verb (used without object)
31.
to compute or work with numerical figures.
32.
to be or appear, especially in a conspicuous or prominent way: His name figures importantly in my report.
33.
Informal. (of a situation, act, request, etc.) to be logical, expected, or reasonable: He quit the job when he didn't get a raise—it figured.
Verb phrases
34.
figure in, to add in: Figure in rent and utilities as overhead.
35.
figure on, Informal.
a.
to count or rely on.
b.
to take into consideration; plan on: You had better figure on running into heavy traffic leaving the city.
36.
figure out, Informal.
a.
to understand; solve: We couldn't figure out where all the money had gone.
b.
to calculate; compute.
37.
figure up, Informal. to total: The bill figures up to exactly $1000.
Idiom
38.
cut a figure. cut (defs. 82, 83b).
Origin:
1175–1225; Middle English < Old French < Latin figūra shape, trope, equivalent to fig- (base of fingere to shape) + -ūra -ure

Related forms
fig·ur·a·ble, adjective
fig·ure·less, adjective
fig·ur·er, noun
out·fig·ure, verb (used with object), -ured, -ur·ing.
re·fig·ure, verb (used with object), -ured, -ur·ing.
EXPAND
sub·fig·ure, noun
un·fig·ur·a·ble, adjective
COLLAPSE

Synonyms
1. number. 2. sum, total; price. 5. See form. 8. personality. 23. reckon.

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
Cite This Source Link To figure out
Collins
World English Dictionary
figure out
 
—vb
1.  to calculate or reckon
2.  to understand

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Cite This Source
Etymonline
Word Origin & History

figure
early 13c., from O.Fr. figure, from L. figura "a shape, form, figure," from PIE *dheigh- "to form, build" (see dough); originally in English with meaning "numeral," but sense of "form, likeness" is almost as old (mid-13c.). The verb meaning "to picture in the mind" is from
EXPAND
c.1600. Related: Figured; figuring. Philosophical and scientific senses are from L. figura being used to translate Gk. skhema. The rhetorical use of figure dates to late 14c.; hence figure of speech (1824).
COLLAPSE
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
Cite This Source
American Heritage
Medical Dictionary

figure fig·ure (fĭg'yər)
n.

  1. A form or shape, as of the human body.

  2. A person representing the essential aspects of a particular role.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Cite This Source
American Heritage
Idioms & Phrases

figure out

  1. Discover or determine, as in Let's figure out a way to help. [Early 1900s]

  2. Solve or decipher, as in Can you figure out this puzzle? [Early 1800s]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
Copyright © 1997. Published by Houghton Mifflin.
Cite This Source
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