Cool MateFigure vs Statistic
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Figure
Top 1,000 (very common)A2noun
Statistic
Top 1,000 (very common)B1noun
| Figure | Statistic | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈfɪɡə(r)/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈfɪɡjər/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/stəˈtɪstɪk/"]/🇺🇸 /["/stəˈtɪstɪk/"]/ |
| Meaning | A shape or form of something, or a person’s body. | A number that describes a group or situation. |
| Example | I can see the figure of a man in the distance. | The statistic showed a significant increase in sales this quarter. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | B1 |
| Part of speech | noun | noun |
| Collocations | high, low, double, reach, exceed, add, add up, be bandied about, indicate something, according to (the) figures, in round figures, great, central, key, figure of, cloaked, hooded, masked, painter, drawing, painting, beautiful, fine, good, cut, have, keep, a fine figure of a man, a fine figure of a woman, refer to, see, illustrate something, show something | statistic analysis, statistic data, statistic significance, statistic model, statistic report |
| Antonyms | formlessness, ambiguity | individual, anecdote |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'figured' as in past tense., Using 'figure' when they mean 'figures' as in numbers., Misusing 'figure out' in contexts that don't require problem-solving. | Confused with 'statistical', which is an adjective., Using 'statistic' in plural form incorrectly as 'statistics' when discussing the field of study., Mispronouncing it as 'stati-stic' instead of 'sta-tis-tic'. |
| Usage notes | Use 'figure' to describe both shapes (like in math) and people. Avoid in very casual conversations unless referring to a specific type of figure like a 'figure skate.' | Commonly used in academic and professional contexts. Avoid using in casual conversations unless related to data or research. Be cautious with statistical data to ensure accuracy. |
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Frequently asked questions: Figure vs Statistic
What's the difference between Figure and Statistic?
Figure: A shape or form of something, or a person’s body. Statistic: A number that describes a group or situation.
Which is more advanced: Figure and Statistic?
Statistic is the highest level, at B1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Figure and Statistic the same CEFR level?
Figure: A2, Statistic: B1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Figure and Statistic?
Figure: noun, Statistic: noun.
Can you show an example of each?
Figure: I can see the figure of a man in the distance. Statistic: The statistic showed a significant increase in sales this quarter.
Can I use Figure and Statistic interchangeably?
Not always. Figure and Statistic are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.