- To find a solution to a problem or the answer to a question through thinking, calculation, or investigation.
- To come to understand something or someone.
Explanation
Origin
- Figure has roots in Latin figura (shape, form). The verb to figure developed meanings related to calculation (figure the cost) and mental shaping or understanding.
- The phrasal verb figure out emerged in American English around the mid-19th century, emphasizing the process of deduction or problem-solving to arrive at an understanding or solution.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Suss (it) out (UK/Aus)
- Crack it
- Get it sorted
- Nail it down (find a definitive answer/solution)
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- Figure this fucking thing out.
- Figure this shit out.
Milder:
- Solve
- Understand
- Work out
- Determine
Situational Appropriateness
- Very common and versatile. Suitable for informal situations and most professional contexts.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Generally well-understood. The context usually makes it clear whether it means 'solve' or 'understand'.
Examples
- I need to figure out how to assemble this bookshelf.
- We'll figure out a way to pay for the trip.
- It took me a while, but I finally figured out why the program was crashing.
- I can't figure him out; he's so unpredictable.
Dialogue
Manager: The client needs the report by tomorrow, but the data is incomplete.
Employee: Okay, let me see... I think I can figure out how to extrapolate the missing values.
Manager: Excellent. Let me know if you run into trouble.
Employee: Will do. I should be able to figure it out.
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: Trying to figure out the best way to organize my digital photos... it's chaos! Any tips? #organization #digitaldeclutter
- Facebook Post: Finally figured out why my sourdough starter wasn't rising! Thanks for the tips everyone! #baking #sourdough
- Instagram Caption: Exploring a new city and trying to figure out the map. Getting lost is part of the adventure, right? 😉 #travel #adventure
Response Patterns
- Let me know if you figure it out.
- I'm still trying to figure it out.
- Don't worry, we'll figure something out together.
- Aha! I figured it out!
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After someone says they need to figure something out:
- Offering help: Need a hand figuring that out?
- Asking for details: What are you trying to figure out?
After someone says they figured it out:
- Asking for the solution: Great! What did you figure out? or How did you figure it out?
- Implementing the solution or plan.
Conversation Starter
- No. Typically used when discussing an existing problem or question.
Intonation
- Stress typically falls on figure and out.
- I need to FIGURE it OUT.
- Can convey determination, frustration, or eventual success.
Generation Differences
- Universal across generations.
Regional Variations
- Extremely common in North American English, but widely used and understood globally.