# figure sb/sth out

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

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

## Definition

to understand someone or something after thinking about them for a while.

For teachers: to reach an understanding of a person's character or a complex situation through mental effort or analysis.

## Examples

- I finally figured out how to use the new coffee machine.
- It took me a long time to figure him out, but I eventually realized he was just shy.
- Scientists are still trying to figure out the exact mechanisms that trigger this specific genetic mutation.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I figured out it." but "I figured it out." — if the object is a pronoun, it must be placed between the verb and the particle.

## Usage notes

- the object can be a noun, a pronoun, or a 'wh-' clause like 'how' or 'why'.
- Teaching tip: highlight that when the object is a pronoun like 'it' or 'him', it must go between 'figure' and 'out'.

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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.