Figure
Definition
Figure refers to a numerical symbol, a graphical representation, a shape or outline, or an important person. As a verb, it can mean to calculate, represent, or assume something.
Parts of Speech
- Noun
- Verb
Pronunciation
American English
- IPA Pronunciation: /ˈfɪɡjər/ or /ˈfɪɡjʊr/
- Respelling: FIG-yər or FIG-yer
British English
- IPA Pronunciation: /ˈfɪɡə/
- Respelling: FIG-uh
Etymology
The word "figure" originates from the Latin term "figura," meaning "shape, form, or representation," derived from "fingere," meaning "to form or mold." It entered Old French as "figure" and then Middle English, maintaining its broad meanings.
Derivatives
- Figurative (adjective)
- Figuration (noun)
- Figurine (noun)
- Figured (adjective)
- Reconfigure (verb)
Synonyms
- Shape
- Number
- Representation
Antonyms
- None
Usage
The noun "figure" is commonly used to describe numerical symbols ("a seven-figure income"), physical shapes ("a human figure in the painting"), or significant persons ("a leading figure in the industry"). As a verb, it is used to mean "calculate" ("I need to figure the total cost") or "assume" ("I figured he was already aware").
Related Terms
- Diagram: A graphical representation used to explain concepts.
- Silhouette: The outline or shape of a figure.
- Statistic: A numerical value representing data.
Detailed Definitions
Noun
- A numerical symbol or value: Refers to digits or numbers.
- Example: "The company's profit reached a six-figure sum."
- A shape or form: Describes an outline or representation, often of a person or object.
- Example: "The artist painted a detailed figure of a horse."
- An important person: Refers to a significant or noteworthy individual.
- Example: "He is a prominent figure in the scientific community."
- A graphical representation: Refers to a diagram or chart.
- Example: "Refer to Figure 3 for the data analysis."
Verb
- To calculate or determine: Refers to the act of performing mathematical or logical operations.
- Example: "She needs to figure out her monthly expenses."
- To represent or symbolize: Describes portraying or illustrating an idea or concept.
- Example: "The diagram figures prominently in the presentation."
- To assume or conclude: Refers to making an assumption or prediction.
- Example: "I figured it would rain today."
figure
The artist painted a detailed figure of a horse.
He is a prominent figure in the scientific community.
She needs to figure out her monthly expenses.
🇨🇳 Chinese (Mandarin)
- 数字 (figure as in number)
- IPA: /ʂu˨˩˦ t͡szɨ˥˥/
- Respelling: shùzì
- 形象 (figure as in image or person's figure)
- IPA: /ɕiŋ˥˩ ɕiaŋ˨˩˦/
- Respelling: xíngxiàng
🇮🇳 Hindi
- आंकड़ा (figure as in number)
- IPA: /aːŋkəɽaː/
- Respelling: aankada
- मूर्ति (figure as in statue)
- IPA: /muːrt̪i/
- Respelling: moorti
🇪🇸 Spanish
- Cifra (figure as in number)
- IPA: /ˈθifɾa/
- Respelling: cifra
- Figura (figure as in shape or person's figure)
- IPA: /fiˈɣuɾa/
- Respelling: figura
🇫🇷 French
- Chiffre (figure as in number)
- IPA: /ʃifʁ/
- Respelling: chiffre
- Figure (figure as in shape or person's figure)
- IPA: /fi.ɡyʁ/
- Respelling: figure
🇸🇦 Arabic (Modern Standard)
- رقم (figure as in number)
- IPA: /ˈraʔam/
- Respelling: raqm
- شكل (figure as in shape)
- IPA: /ʃakl/
- Respelling: shakl
🇧🇩 Bengali
- সংখ্যা (figure as in number)
- IPA: /ʃɔŋkʰja/
- Respelling: shôngkhya
- চিত্র (figure as in shape or image)
- IPA: /tʃit̪r̺o/
- Respelling: chitro
🇷🇺 Russian
- Цифра (figure as in number)
- IPA: /ˈtsɨfrə/
- Respelling: tsifra
- Фигура (figure as in shape or person's figure)
- IPA: /fʲɪˈɡurə/
- Respelling: figura
🇵🇹 Portuguese
- Cifra (figure as in number)
- IPA: /ˈsifɾɐ/
- Respelling: cifra
- Figura (figure as in shape or person's figure)
- IPA: /fiˈɣuɾɐ/
- Respelling: figura
🇮🇩 Indonesian
- Angka (figure as in number)
- IPA: /aŋka/
- Respelling: angka
- Figur (figure as in image or person's figure, borrowed from English)
- IPA: /fiɡur/
- Respelling: figur
🇩🇪 German
- Zahl (figure as in number)
- IPA: /tsaːl/
- Respelling: Zahl
- Figur (figure as in shape or person's figure)
- IPA: /fiˈɡuːɐ̯/
- Respelling: Figur
🇯🇵 Japanese
- 数字 (figure as in number)
- IPA: /sɯːdʑi/
- Respelling: sūji
- 姿 (figure as in shape or person's figure)
- IPA: /ɕi/
- Respelling: sugata
🇻🇳 Vietnamese
- Con số (figure as in number)
- IPA: /kɔ˧˧ sɔ˧˩˧/
- Respelling: con số
- Hình dáng (figure as in shape or person's figure)
- IPA: /hiŋ˧ˀ˨ʔ zaːŋ˧ˀ˨ʔ/
- Respelling: hình dáng
🇰🇷 Korean
- 숫자 (figure as in number)
- IPA: /sud͡ʑʌ/
- Respelling: suja
- 모습 (figure as in shape or person's figure)
- IPA: /mo.sʌp̚/
- Respelling: moseup
🇹🇷 Turkish
- Rakam (figure as in number)
- IPA: /ɾaˈkam/
- Respelling: rakam
- Figür (figure as in shape or person's figure)
- IPA: /fiɟyɾ/
- Respelling: figür
🇵🇰 Urdu
- عدد (figure as in number)
- IPA: /ʕɪdː/
- Respelling: addad
- شکل (figure as in shape)
- IPA: /ʃəkl/
- Respelling: shakl
