# figure out

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/figure-out
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to find an answer or understand something after thinking about it for a while.

For teachers: to reach an understanding or find a solution through mental effort or calculation; often implies a process of deduction or problem-solving.

## Examples

- I need to figure out how to use this app.
- It took the mechanics several hours to figure out why the engine was making that strange noise.
- Economists are still trying to figure out the long-term implications of the recent policy shift on global trade stability.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I figured out it." but "I figured it out." — when the object is a pronoun like 'it', it must go between the verb and the particle.

## Usage notes

- commonly used with 'how', 'why', or a direct object representing a problem.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'understand' (the state of knowing) and 'realize' (a sudden moment of knowing); 'figure out' emphasizes the active process of thinking.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.