What does "figured" mean?

1. (thought or concluded) thought that something was true or likely after thinking about it. 2. (calculated) calculated a number or an amount. 3. (having a pattern) having a decorative pattern or design on the surface.

How do you use "figured"?

Often followed by a 'that' clause, though 'that' is frequently omitted in speech. Usually placed before the noun it describes.

figured

v. · adj.

US //ˈfɪɡjɝd// UK //fˈɪɡəd// fig·ured

1 thought or concluded (v.)
B1 Intermediate Informal

thought that something was true or likely after thinking about it.

concluded or deduced a fact based on logic or expectation. Often used in informal speech to indicate a lack of surprise.

Example

I figured you would be late, so I started the movie without you.

Example

He figured that the project would take at least three months, given the complexity of the initial requirements.

Usage

Often followed by a 'that' clause, though 'that' is frequently omitted in speech.
- doubted
2 calculated (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Math

calculated a number or an amount.

calculated or computed a numerical value or cost.

Example

The accountant figured the taxes and told us how much we owed.

Example

Once the engineers figured the structural load, they realized the original design required significant reinforcement.
- guessed
3 having a pattern (adj.)
C1 Advanced Technical

having a decorative pattern or design on the surface.

decorated with a pattern, design, or figures; often used in the context of textiles or wood grain.

Example

The room was decorated with beautiful figured silk curtains.

Example

The luthier selected a piece of highly figured maple for the back of the violin to ensure a striking visual appearance.

Usage

Usually placed before the noun it describes.
- plain
- solid

Origin

From figure + -ed.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Last updated June 19, 2026