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figure

n. · v.
US //ˈfɪɡjɝ// UK //fˈɪɡɐ// fig·ure
  1. 1 a number or amount (n.)
    A2 Elementary Math

    a number or an amount of money.

    a numerical symbol or an amount expressed in numbers.

    Example

    The company's sales figures were much higher than we expected this year.

    Example

    The finance director presented the final quarterly figures, highlighting a significant discrepancy between projected revenue and actual cash flow.
  2. 2 body shape (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the shape of a person's body, especially when talking about how thin or fit they are.

    the external form or silhouette of a human body.

    Example

    She exercises every morning to keep her figure.

    Example

    The tailor noted that the jacket was cut to flatter a more athletic figure, with broader shoulders and a tapered waist.
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  1. 3 a notable person (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a person who is well-known or important in a particular area.

    an individual who is prominent or well-known in a specific field or context.

    Example

    He was a leading figure in the local art community for many years.

    Example

    The prime minister remains a controversial figure, admired by some for her economic reforms and criticised by others for her social policies.
  2. 4 a diagram or drawing (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a picture, diagram, or map in a book that gives you information.

    an illustrative drawing, diagram, or chart within a text, typically numbered for reference.

    Example

    Please look at figure 2 on page 15 to see the map of the area.

    Example

    The author refers the reader to figure 4.1, which provides a detailed cross-section of the geological layers discussed in the chapter.
  3. 5 a musical motif (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Music

    a short pattern of notes that is repeated in a piece of music.

    a short succession of notes or a rhythmic pattern that forms a distinct musical idea.

    Example

    The opening musical figure is repeated by the violins throughout the song.

    Example

    The composer employs a recurring chromatic figure in the lower strings to create a sense of mounting tension before the final resolution.
  4. 6 to calculate (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate American English Math

    to work out a total or solve a math problem.

    to calculate or compute a numerical result.

    Example

    I need to figure the total cost of the trip before I book the flight.

    Example

    After figuring the interest rates and tax implications, the accountants advised against the immediate sale of the property.
  5. 7 to think or assume (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    to believe or expect that something is true.

    to conclude, suppose, or consider something to be the case.

    Example

    I figured you would be hungry after your long walk, so I made some sandwiches.

    Example

    The detective figured that the suspect would try to leave the country as soon as the news of the investigation broke.
  6. 8 to be part of (v.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    to be an important part of a process or situation.

    to play a significant role or be a prominent part of something.

    Example

    Environmental issues will figure largely in the next election.

    Example

    The need for sustainable energy sources figured prominently in the international summit's final declaration.

    Usage

    Often used with the preposition 'in'.
Origin

From Middle English figure, borrowed from Old French figure, from Latin figūra (“form, shape, form of a word, a figure of speech, Late Latin a sketch, drawing”), from fingō (“to form, shape, mold, fashion”), from Proto-Indo-European *dʰeyǵʰ- (“to mold, shape, form, knead”). Cognate with Ancient Greek τεῖχος (teîkhos), Sanskrit देग्धि (dégdhi), Old English dāg (“dough”). More at dough. Doublet of figura.

Idioms2 entries

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