A2noun1K

Figure

UK /["/ˈfɪɡə(r)/"]/US /["/ˈfɪɡjər/"]/

Definition

a number representing a particular amount, especially one given in official information

In simple words: A shape or form of something, or a person’s body.

Examples

  • I can see the figure of a man in the distance.
  • The figure shows the results of the experiment in a clear way.
  • Can you figure out the answer to the riddle?
  • She plans to figure her budget for the month.
  • The artist painted a beautiful figure in the center of the canvas.
  • He has a slim figure, which he maintains by exercising regularly.
  • In math, we often need to figure the area of a triangle.
  • The figure of speech used in that poem is really clever.

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.'

Grammar pattern

figure + as/with

Memory hint

Think of a 'figure' as a 'fig' shaped like a person.

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

Synonyms

  • arithmetic

Antonyms

  • formlessness
  • ambiguity

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.