Figure Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
🔍
figure
[ˈfɪɡjər ]
Definitions
mathematics
A figure is a geometric shape, such as a circle, triangle, square, or rectangle, that represents a specific mathematical concept.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| figure |
Refer to a person's appearance or a famous person.
|
| shape |
Use when talking about the external outline or surface configuration of an object or person.
|
| form |
Use when describing the structure or arrangement of something, often in an abstract or artistic sense.
|
| geometry |
Appropriate in academic or technical situations that involve the study of shapes, sizes, and properties of space.
|
Examples of usage
- The teacher asked the students to calculate the area of the figure.
- Can you identify the different figures in this shape?
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?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| figure |
Used often to describe a numerical value, a person's bodily shape, or a notable person.
|
| form |
Best used when discussing the shape, structure, or physical arrangement of something.
|
| representation |
Frequently used when referring to the act of presenting or depicting something, especially in abstract or symbolic forms.
|
| depiction |
Appropriate when talking about visual representation, typically in art, literature, or media.
|
Examples of usage
- The artist painted a beautiful figure of a woman in the portrait.
- The sculpture featured intricate figures of different animals.
understand
To figure something out means to understand or solve a problem or mystery.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| figure |
Often used in casual conversations to mean understanding or working something out.
|
| solve |
Typically used in mathematical, scientific, or problem-solving contexts to mean finding the correct answer or solution to a problem.
|
| decipher |
Commonly used when talking about decoding or interpreting something that is difficult to understand, like a code or a complex text.
|
| comprehend |
Used in more formal or academic contexts to mean fully understanding the meaning or significance of something.
|
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.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'figure'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word 'figure' originated from the Latin word 'figura', which means 'a form, shape, figure, or figure of speech'. It has been used in various contexts throughout history, evolving to represent both geometric shapes in mathematics and human or animal forms in art. The verb form of 'figure' emerged from the concept of solving problems or understanding mysteries. Over time, 'figure' has become a versatile word used in mathematics, art, and everyday language.