figure

/'figə/
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Thân thiện
figure

The student studies a geometric figure in her math textbook.

Definition
  1. Noun:

    • A number, numeral, or digit: "figure" can refer to a symbol representing a number, or the number itself.
    • A shape, form, or outline: "figure" denotes the visible shape or form of something, especially a person's body.
    • A person, especially a notable one: "figure" is used to refer to a person, particularly one who is well-known or important in a certain context.
    • A diagram or illustration: In texts, a "figure" is a picture, chart, or diagram that explains or illustrates something.
    • A pattern or design: "figure" can mean a decorative pattern.
    • A predetermined movement or series of steps: In dance or skating, a "figure" is a set sequence of movements.
  2. Verb:

    • To appear or be included: "figure" means to be a part of something or to be featured.
    • To calculate or compute: "figure" means to do mathematical calculations.
    • To think, believe, or conclude: "figure" is used informally to mean to think or suppose something is true.
    • To represent in a diagram or picture: "figure" can mean to depict something visually.
Usage Examples
  • Noun: She has a slender figure. (Her body shape is thin.) He is a leading figure in the art world. (He is an important person in the art world.) Please refer to Figure 3 on page 10. (Please look at the diagram labeled 3 on page 10.) The final figure was 250. (The final number was 250.)

  • Verb: Costs figure heavily in our decision. (Costs are an important part of our decision.) Can you figure the total cost? (Can you calculate the total cost?) I figure it will rain tomorrow. (I think/believe it will rain tomorrow.)

Advanced Usage
  • "to figure that...": to believe or conclude something. I figured that you'd be late. (I believed you would be late.)

  • "That figures": an expression meaning something is logical, expected, or typical. He forgot his keys again? That figures. (It is typical/expected that he forgot his keys again.)

Variants and Related Words
  • Figurehead (n): a nominal leader without real power.
  • Figurative (adj): using words in a non-literal, metaphorical way.
  • Figurine (n): a small ornamental statuette.
Synonyms
  • Number (n): a mathematical value.
  • Shape (n): the external form of something.
  • Personage (n): a person, especially one of importance.
  • Calculate (v): to determine mathematically.
  • Believe (v): to accept as true.
Related Phrasal Verbs
  • Figure out: to solve, understand, or find the answer to something.
  • Figure on: to plan or expect something.
  • Figure in: to include in a calculation or consideration.
Related Idioms
  • Cut a fine figure: to look impressive or attractive.
  • A ballpark figure: a rough, approximate number or estimate.
  • Go figure: an expression of resignation or puzzlement about something strange or illogical.
figure

The student studies a geometric figure in her math textbook.

Noun
  1. a predetermined set of movements in dancing or skating
    • she made the best score on compulsory figures
  2. a decorative or artistic work
    • the coach had a design on the doors
  3. a unitary percept having structure and coherence that is the object of attention and that stands out against a ground
  4. language used in a figurative or nonliteral sense
  5. the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals
    • he had a number of chores to do
    • the number of parameters is small
    • the figure was about a thousand
  6. the impression produced by a person
    • he cut a fine figure
    • a heroic figure
  7. an amount of money expressed numerically
    • a figure of $17 was suggested
  8. a combination of points and lines and planes that form a visible palpable shape
  9. a well-known or notable person
    • they studied all the great names in the history of France
    • she is an important figure in modern music
  10. a model of a bodily form (especially of a person)
    • he made a figure of Santa Claus
  11. one of the elements that collectively form a system of numeration
    • 0 and 1 are digits
  12. alternative names for the body of a human being
    • Leonardo studied the human body
    • he has a strong physique
    • the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak
  13. a diagram or picture illustrating textual material
    • the area covered can be seen from Figure 2
Verb
  1. understand
    • He didn't figure her
  2. make a mathematical calculation or computation
  3. imagine; conceive of; see in one's mind
    • I can't see him on horseback!
    • I can see what will happen
    • I can see a risk in this strategy
  4. be or play a part of or in
    • Elections figure prominently in every government program
    • How do the elections figure in the current pattern of internal politics?
  5. judge to be probable