figure out

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figure out

A student tries to figure out a math problem on the chalkboard.

Definition

Verb: 1. To solve or understand something through thinking: To find an answer, solution, or explanation for a problem, question, or puzzling situation by using mental effort, logic, or calculation. 2. To understand someone's character or motives: To come to a conclusion about why a person behaves in a certain way.

Usage and Examples
  • To solve a problem or puzzle:
    • I need to figure out how to fix this broken printer.
    • Can you figure out the answer to this riddle?
    • The detective finally figured out who committed the crime.
  • To understand a concept or meaning:
    • It took me a while to figure out the instructions.
    • I can't figure out why she is so upset.
  • To understand a person:
    • He's a complicated man; I've never been able to figure him out.
Advanced Usage
  • "to figure something out for oneself": To solve a problem independently, without help.
    • The teacher encouraged the students to figure it out for themselves.
  • The verb is separable. The object (especially a pronoun like , , , ) is placed between "figure" and "out."
    • This math problem is hard, but I will figure it out. (Correct)
    • This math problem is hard, but I will figure out it. (Incorrect)
Variants and Related Words
  • Figure (verb): To appear or be included, often in a prominent way. ()
  • Figure (noun): A number, a shape, or a person of a particular type. ()
Synonyms
  • Solve: To find an answer to a problem.
  • Work out: To solve or understand by thinking or calculating.
  • Decipher: To succeed in understanding something confusing or unclear.
  • Fathom: To understand a deep or complicated subject.
  • Deduce: To reach a conclusion by reasoning.
Related Phrasal Verbs
  • Figure on (something): To plan or expect something.
    • We're figuring on leaving around noon.
  • Figure in (something): To be included as a part of something.
    • Transportation costs figure in the total budget.
Related Idioms
  • Put two and two together: To figure something out from the available information.
    • When I saw the empty box and the chocolate on his face, I put two and two together.
  • Read between the lines: To understand a hidden or implied meaning.
    • If you read between the lines of his email, you can figure out he's not happy.
figure out

A student tries to figure out a math problem on the chalkboard.

Verb
  1. find the solution to (a problem or question) or understand the meaning of
    • did you solve the problem?
    • Work out your problems with the boss
    • this unpleasant situation isn't going to work itself out
    • did you get it?
    • Did you get my meaning?
    • He could not work the math problem

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