Figure — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms
Meaning & Definition of Figure
Figure (noun)
- a number symbol, numeral, digit
- arithmetical calculations
- a written or printed character
Figure (verb)
- to represent by or as if by a figure or outline
- to decorate with a pattern; also, to write figures over or under (the bass) in order to indicate the accompanying chords
- to indicate or represent by numerals
Figure (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms
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a character used to represent a mathematical value
"no doubt the figures on the price tags at the jewelry store are so small because the zeroes are so many"
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a line that traces the outer limits of an object or surface
"we could gradually see the figure of a ship coming our way through the fog"
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a person who is widely known and usually much talked about
"figures from the worlds of sport and entertainment will be guests at the White House dinner"
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a small statue
"painted wooden figures by untrained artists can be quite valuable on today's antiques market"
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a three-dimensional representation of the human body used especially for displaying clothes
"the museum features a collection of figures strikingly attired in suits of medieval armor"
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a unit of decoration that is repeated all over something (as a fabric)
"upholstered the chair with a fabric embossed with figures of fleur-de-lis"
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something that visually explains or decorates a text
"the layout editor could have done a better job of getting the figures on the same page as the specific portion of text that they are intended to illustrate"
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the amount of money that is demanded as payment for something
"a number of the paintings at the auction sold at figures far higher than had been estimated"
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the outward appearance of something as distinguished from its substance
"the ice sculpture at the banquet was in the figure of an eagle spreading its wings"
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the type of body that a person has
"Martha has such a slender figure that just about anything looks good on her"
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the act or process of performing mathematical operations to find a value
"a person with a good head for figures"
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the outward form of someone or something especially as indicative of a quality
"unshaven and dirty, he presents a sorry figure"
Figure (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms
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to come to a judgment about after discussion or consideration
"we figured that we had better arrive early at the concert in order to get good seats"
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to decide the size, amount, number, or distance of (something) without actual measurement
"let's figure the juice in the pan to be about a cup and just add it to the mix"
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to determine (a value) by doing the necessary mathematical operations
"the car dealer figured that our monthly car payment would be $357"
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to have as an opinion
"the father figures that girls should have the same athletic opportunities as boys and supports his daughter's interest in soccer"
Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Figure
The most common words with a similar meaning to Figure:
Antonyms & Opposite Words for Figure
Words with the opposite meaning of Figure:
Near Antonyms of Figure
Word Forms of Figure
Inflections: figured, figuring
Derived words: figurer (noun)
Origin & Etymology of Figure
Middle English, "shape, form, likeness, symbol, design, written character," borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Latin figūra "shape, form, outward appearance, likeness, nonliteral form of speech," from fig-, variant stem of fingere "to mold, fashion, make a likeness of, pretend to be" + -ūra -ure feign
First known use: 13th century
Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Figure
- CEFR level: A2 English Vocabulary — Page 7
- Topics: Numbers & Quantities, Common Actions / Verbs
Words & Phrases Containing Figure
Frequently Asked Questions about Figure
What does "Figure" mean?
"Figure" means a number symbol, numeral, digit. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: a number symbol, numeral, digit. It has 16 distinct senses.
What is another word for "Figure"?
Other words for "Figure" include digit, integer, number, numeral, numeric, whole number, contour and outline. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Figure" you intend.
What are different ways to say "Figure"?
There are 331 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Figure". Common alternatives include digit, integer, number, numeral, numeric, whole number, contour, outline, silhouette and cause célèbre.
What is the opposite of "Figure"?
Antonyms of "Figure" include nobody, noncelebrity and colossus. Near antonyms include lightweight, mediocrity, has-been and composition.
How do you use "Figure" in a sentence?
Examples of "Figure" in a sentence: "no doubt the figures on the price tags at the jewelry store are so small because the zeroes are so many"; "we could gradually see the figure of a ship coming our way through the fog"; "figures from the worlds of sport and entertainment will be guests at the White House dinner".
Is "Figure" a noun, verb, or adjective?
"Figure" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.
Is "Figure" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?
As an A2-level word, "Figure" is typical of Cambridge A2 Key (KET), PTE Academic 30–42, TOEIC Listening & Reading 225+.
How do you pronounce "Figure"?
"Figure" is pronounced /ˈfi-gyər/ and divided into syllables as fig·ure.