figure
Looking for the meaning of figure? Explore definitions, parts of speech, and usage examples below.
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A drawing or diagram conveying information.
The representation of any form, as by drawing, painting, modelling, carving, embroidering, etc.; especially, a representation of the human body.
“a figure in bronze; a figure cut in marble”
A person or thing representing a certain consciousness.
The appearance or impression made by the conduct or career of a person.
“He cut a sorry figure standing there in the rain.”
Distinguished appearance; magnificence; conspicuous representation; splendour; show.
A human figure, which dress or corset must fit to; the shape of a human body.
A numeral.
A number, an amount.
A shape.
A visible pattern as in wood or cloth.
“The muslin was of a pretty figure.”
Any complex dance moveW.
A figure of speech.
The form of a syllogism with respect to the relative position of the middle term.
A horoscope; the diagram of the aspects of the astrological houses.
Any short succession of notes, either as melody or as a group of chords, which produce a single complete and distinct impression.
A form of melody or accompaniment kept up through a strain or passage; a motif; a florid embellishment.
To calculate, to solve a mathematical problem.
To come to understand.
“I can’t figure if he’s telling the truth or lying.”
To think, to assume, to suppose, to reckon.
To be reasonable.
“It figures that somebody like him would be upset about the situation.”
To enter into; to be a part of.
To represent by a figure, as to form or mould; to make an image of, either palpable or ideal; also, to fashion into a determinate form; to shape.
To embellish with design; to adorn with figures.
To indicate by numerals.
To represent by a metaphor; to signify or symbolize.
To prefigure; to foreshow.
To write over or under the bass, as figures or other characters, in order to indicate the accompanying chords.
To embellish.
Understanding "figure"
The word **"figure"** is a **noun** in the English language. It is phonetically pronounced as **/ˈfɪɡjɚ/**. Explore the detailed meaning, morphological structure, and usage examples for **"figure"** in our dictionary below.
The English language is incredibly vast, and diving into the definition of the word "figure" provides a perfect example of its linguistic depth. Categorized primarily as a noun, the term "figure" holds specific syntactical roles within a sentence, allowing speakers and writers to convey precise meaning. Understanding how this word functions is an excellent step towards mastering advanced English vocabulary and improving overall reading comprehension.
For those looking to perfect their spoken English, noting the phonetic pronunciation of "figure" is crucial. It is typically transcribed as /ˈfɪɡjɚ/. Proper enunciation ensures that your intended message is received clearly, preventing miscommunication in both formal and casual settings. Linguistic scholars often track the phonological evolution of words like "figure" to understand broader historical shifts in dialects and accents across different English-speaking populations.
When deciding how to use "figure" in everyday communication, it helps to look at exactly how it operates as a noun. In professional writing, academic essays, and creative literature, choosing the perfect vocabulary word can drastically elevate the tone of the text. Because "figure" carries its own unique connotations and denotations, swapping it for a simpler synonym might dilute the impact of your sentence.
Our comprehensive dictionary tool is designed to provide immediate, reliable definitions for thousands of terms, including "figure". By consistently exploring the nuances of vocabulary—including phonetics (/ˈfɪɡjɚ/), part of speech (noun), and usage examples—you can significantly expand your linguistic repertoire. Bookmark this page as a quick reference tool whenever you encounter "figure" in reading materials or wish to incorporate it into your active vocabulary.
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How do I use figure in a sentence?
Refer to the usage examples above to see how "figure" can be used in academic and casual conversations.