figure

(noun, verb)

noun

1. a diagram or picture illustrating textual material

- the area covered can be seen from Figure 2

Similar word(s): fig

Definition categories: communication, illustration

2. alternative names for the body of a human being

Similar word(s): anatomy, bod, build, chassis, flesh, form, frame, physique, shape, soma

Definition categories: body

3. one of the elements that collectively form a system of numeration

Similar word(s): digit

Definition categories: quantity, integer

4. a model of a bodily form (especially of a person)

- he made a figure of Santa Claus

Definition categories: man–made, model, simulation

5. a well-known or notable person

- she is an important figure in modern music

Similar word(s): name

Definition categories: person, personage

6. a combination of points and lines and planes that form a visible palpable shape

Definition categories: shape, form

7. an amount of money expressed numerically

- a figure of $17 was suggested

Definition categories: possession, amount, sum

8. the impression produced by a person

- he cut a fine figure

- a heroic figure

Definition categories: attribute, effect, impression

9. the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals

- the figure was about a thousand

Similar word(s): number

Definition categories: attribute, amount

10. language used in a figurative or nonliteral sense

Similar word(s): image, trope

Definition categories: communication

11. a unitary percept having structure and coherence that is the object of attention and that stands out against a ground

Definition categories: thought, percept, perception

12. a decorative or artistic work

Similar word(s): design, pattern

Definition categories: man–made, decoration, ornament, ornamentation

13. a predetermined set of movements in dancing or skating

- she made the best score on compulsory figures

Definition categories: act, maneuver, manoeuvre, play

Sentences with figure as a noun:

- a figure in bronze; a figure cut in marble

- He cut a sorry figure standing there in the rain.

- The muslin was of a pretty figure.

verb

1. judge to be probable

Similar word(s): calculate, estimate, forecast, reckon

Definition categories: cognition, evaluate, judge

2. be or play a part of or in

- Elections figure prominently in every government program

- How do the elections figure in the current pattern of internal politics?

Similar word(s): enter

Definition categories: stative, be

3. imagine; conceive of; see in one's mind

Similar word(s): envision, fancy, image, picture, project, see, visualise, visualize

Definition categories: creation, envisage, ideate, imagine

4. make a mathematical calculation or computation

Similar word(s): reckon, calculate, cipher, compute, cypher, reckon

Definition categories: cognition, reason

5. understand

- He didn't figure her

Definition categories: cognition, apprehend, compass, comprehend, dig, grasp, grok, savvy

Sentences with figure as a verb:

- I can't figure if he's telling the truth or lying.