Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Decorated with a pattern or design: Used to describe materials, especially fabrics, that have ornamental patterns, motifs, or figures woven into or printed on their surface.
   • Represented or depicted in a diagram or illustration: Used to describe something that is shown or explained using a figure, diagram, or schematic drawing.
   • Having a particular form or shape: (Less common) Can describe something that has a distinct, often recognizable, shape or outline.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • She chose a beautifully figured silk for the curtains. (The silk fabric has an intricate woven pattern.)
  • The architect studied the figured plans before construction began. (The plans contained detailed diagrams and drawings.)
  • The process is clearly figured in the instruction manual. (The process is illustrated with diagrams in the manual.)

Advanced Usage

• In Music: In historical music theory, "figured" can refer to a musical part, especially a bass line, that is accompanied by numbers ("figures") indicating the harmony. This is called figured bass.
  • The continuo player realized the harmony from the figured bass.
• "Figured into" (Phrasal Verb): While "figured" as an adjective is the target, the verb form "figure into" means to be included as a part of something.
  • Cost overruns figured into the project's failure. (This example uses the verb "figure," not the adjective "figured").

Variants and Related Words

• Figure (noun): A number, a shape, a diagram, or a person of note.
• Figure (verb): To calculate, to appear, or to conclude.
• Figurative (adjective): Using words in a metaphorical, non-literal sense.
• Figured Bass (noun): A musical notation system.

Synonyms

• Patterned: Having a decorative design.
• Ornamented: Decorated; adorned.
• Illustrated: Provided with pictures or diagrams.
• Diagrammed: Represented by a schematic drawing.

Related Phrases

• Figured wood: Wood that has a distinctive and decorative grain pattern.
  • The cabinet was made from a piece of highly figured mahogany.
• Richly figured: Extravagantly or elaborately patterned.
  • The richly figured tapestry hung on the castle wall.

Adjective

1. (of e.g. fabric design) adorned with patterns
   • my dress is richly figured- Amy Lowell