Figure: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ”
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figure

 

[หˆfษชษกjษ™r ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

mathematics

A figure is a geometric shape, such as a circle, triangle, square, or rectangle, that represents a specific mathematical concept.

Synonyms

form, geometry, shape.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
figure

Refer to a person's appearance or a famous person.

  • A mysterious figure appeared at the gate
  • Albert Einstein is a notable historical figure
shape

Use when talking about the external outline or surface configuration of an object or person.

  • The vase has an unusual shape
  • She got back into shape after months of exercise
form

Use when describing the structure or arrangement of something, often in an abstract or artistic sense.

  • The sculpture has a unique form
  • They need to complete the form before registration
geometry

Appropriate in academic or technical situations that involve the study of shapes, sizes, and properties of space.

  • She is studying geometry in school
  • The architecture incorporates complex geometry

Examples of usage

  • The teacher asked the students to calculate the area of the figure.
  • Can you identify the different figures in this shape?
Context #2 | Noun

art

In art, a figure refers to a human or animal form depicted in a piece of artwork.

Synonyms

depiction, form, representation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
figure

Used often to describe a numerical value, a person's bodily shape, or a notable person.

  • The GDP figures were released today
  • She has a slender figure
  • Napoleon is an important historical figure
form

Best used when discussing the shape, structure, or physical arrangement of something.

  • The sculpture's form is very elegant
  • Please fill out this form to apply
representation

Frequently used when referring to the act of presenting or depicting something, especially in abstract or symbolic forms.

  • This painting is an abstract representation of love
  • The lawyer provided strong representation for her client
depiction

Appropriate when talking about visual representation, typically in art, literature, or media.

  • The depiction of the war in the film was very realistic
  • His depiction of the countryside really brought it to life

Examples of usage

  • The artist painted a beautiful figure of a woman in the portrait.
  • The sculpture featured intricate figures of different animals.
Context #3 | Verb

understand

To figure something out means to understand or solve a problem or mystery.

Synonyms

comprehend, decipher, solve.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
figure

Often used in casual conversations to mean understanding or working something out.

  • I need to figure out how to fix this computer.
  • She finally figured out the answer to the puzzle.
solve

Typically used in mathematical, scientific, or problem-solving contexts to mean finding the correct answer or solution to a problem.

  • We need to solve this equation before moving on.
  • Detectives worked tirelessly to solve the mystery.
decipher

Commonly used when talking about decoding or interpreting something that is difficult to understand, like a code or a complex text.

  • They needed a specialist to decipher the ancient manuscript.
  • Can you help me decipher this doctor's handwriting?
comprehend

Used in more formal or academic contexts to mean fully understanding the meaning or significance of something.

  • It's difficult to comprehend the scale of the universe.
  • He struggled to comprehend the complex theories in the book.

Examples of usage

  • After hours of studying, I finally figured out the solution to the math problem.
  • I can't figure out why the computer keeps crashing.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'figure' comes from the Latin word 'figura,' meaning 'shape or form.'
  • In ancient texts, 'figure' was often used to describe not just shapes but also appearances and representations.

Art

  • Artists use 'figure' to describe the human form, often focusing on the pose and muscle structure in drawings and sculptures.
  • In visual arts, 'figure' can refer to the main subject of a painting or sculpture, contrasting with the background.

Mathematics

  • In math, 'figure' can refer to geometric shapes such as triangles, rectangles, and circles that have specific properties.
  • Figures are often used in calculations to visually represent data, making complex information easier to understand.

Psychology

  • The term 'figure-ground' in psychology refers to how people distinguish an object from its background, essential in visual perception.
  • Cognitive scientists study how the brain interprets figures in various contexts, influencing memory and recognition.

Literature

  • In literature, 'figure' can refer to a literary device, such as metaphors and similes, used to create imagery.
  • Authors often create unforgettable figures of speech, like 'raining cats and dogs,' to enhance their storytelling.

Translations

Translations of the word "figure" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น figura

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค†เค•เฅƒเคคเคฟ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Figur

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ figura

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั„ั–ะณัƒั€ะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ figura

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅ›ณ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท figure

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ figura

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท figรผr

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ชจ์–‘

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุดูƒู„

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ figura

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ figรบra

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅ›พๅฝข

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ figura

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ mynd

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั„ะธะณัƒั€ะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒคแƒ˜แƒ’แƒฃแƒ แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ fiqur

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ figura

Word Frequency Rank

At #793 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.