# figure

/ˈfɪɡjɝ/ (US) · /fˈɪɡɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/figure
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. a number or amount

noun · CEFR A2

a number or an amount of money.

For teachers: a numerical symbol or an amount expressed in numbers.

- The company's sales figures were much higher than we expected this year.
- The finance director presented the final quarterly figures, highlighting a significant discrepancy between projected revenue and actual cash flow.

### 2. body shape

noun · CEFR B1

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

For teachers: the external form or silhouette of a human body.

- She exercises every morning to keep her figure.
- The tailor noted that the jacket was cut to flatter a more athletic figure, with broader shoulders and a tapered waist.

### 3. a notable person

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

- He was a leading figure in the local art community for many years.
- The prime minister remains a controversial figure, admired by some for her economic reforms and criticised by others for her social policies.

### 4. a diagram or drawing

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

- Please look at figure 2 on page 15 to see the map of the area.
- The author refers the reader to figure 4.1, which provides a detailed cross-section of the geological layers discussed in the chapter.

### 5. a musical motif

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

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

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

- The opening musical figure is repeated by the violins throughout the song.
- The composer employs a recurring chromatic figure in the lower strings to create a sense of mounting tension before the final resolution.

### 6. to calculate

verb · CEFR B2 · American English

to work out a total or solve a math problem.

For teachers: to calculate or compute a numerical result.

- I need to figure the total cost of the trip before I book the flight.
- After figuring the interest rates and tax implications, the accountants advised against the immediate sale of the property.

### 7. to think or assume

verb · CEFR B2 · Informal

to believe or expect that something is true.

For teachers: to conclude, suppose, or consider something to be the case.

- I figured you would be hungry after your long walk, so I made some sandwiches.
- The detective figured that the suspect would try to leave the country as soon as the news of the investigation broke.

### 8. to be part of

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

to be an important part of a process or situation.

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

- Environmental issues will figure largely in the next election.
- The need for sustainable energy sources figured prominently in the international summit's final declaration.

Usage: Often used with the preposition 'in'.

## Examples

- The final figure for the new car was higher than expected.
- The government released the latest employment figures, showing a slight improvement over the previous quarter.
- Economists are still debating the exact figure, but most agree that the stimulus package prevented a much deeper recession during the winter months.

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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.