- To understand, solve, or determine something (like a problem, a situation, or someone's behavior).
Explanation
Origin
- Likely emerged in American English in the 19th century.
- Figure relates to calculating or reasoning (as in 'figure skating' involves patterns, or 'a figure' is a number).
- Out suggests bringing something hidden or complex into the open, making it clear or resolved.
- It implies a process of mental effort to reach understanding or a solution.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Crack (e.g., crack the code/problem)
- Get (e.g., I don't get him.)
- Suss out (UK/Aus slang, to investigate or figure out)
- Wrap one's head around (To understand something complex)
Vulgar/Emphatic (Expressing frustration):
- I can't figure this shit out!
- How the fuck do you figure out this mess?
Milder/Standard:
- Ascertain (More formal)
- Resolve
- Comprehend
Situational Appropriateness
- Very common in both informal and most professional settings (e.g., We need to figure out the best marketing strategy).
- Slightly informal, so in very formal reports, determine or solve might be preferred.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Generally well-understood. The main potential confusion might be the multiple meanings (solve vs. understand vs. determine), but context usually makes it clear.
Examples
- I need to figure out how to fix this leaky faucet.
- She's trying to figure out why the computer keeps crashing.
- I can't figure out why he's acting so strangely. (understanding a person)
- Let's figure out a time to meet next week. (determine)
Dialogue
Liam: Arrgh, this instruction manual makes no sense! I can't figure out how to assemble this shelf.
Chloe: Let me take a look. Hmm, yeah, it's confusing. Maybe we can figure it out together?
Liam: Please! Two heads are better than one.
Chloe: Okay, I think I figured it out. This piece goes here...
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: Trying to figure out the new Twitter algorithm. Anyone got any tips? #socialmediamarketing
- Facebook Post: Finally figured out why my plants kept dying not enough sunlight! Moved them near the window. 🌱 #gardening #problemsolved
- Reddit Comment: Took me ages to figure out that puzzle in the game. Felt so good when I finally got it!
Response Patterns
- Offer help: Do you need any help figuring it out?, Let me know if I can assist.
- Express confidence: You'll figure it out., I'm sure you can solve it.
- Share experience: Yeah, I had trouble figuring that out too.
- If asked about a person: Yeah, he's hard to figure out. or She's pretty straightforward, actually.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After someone says they need to figure something out:
- Ask What seems to be the problem? or What are you trying to solve?.
- Offer specific help or resources.
After someone says they have figured something out:
- Ask Oh yeah? What was the solution? or What did you discover?.
- The person might then explain the solution or their understanding.
Conversation Starter
- Not typically an opener, usually arises during a discussion about a challenge, problem, or confusing situation/person.
Intonation
- Stress typically falls on figure and out, and often the object being figured out.
- I need to FIGure OUT THIS PROBLEM.
- Can convey determination, confusion, or contemplation depending on context.
Generation Differences
- Extremely common across all generations in American English. Widely used elsewhere too.
Regional Variations
- Primarily North American in origin but now universally understood and used in most English-speaking regions. Work out is a common British English equivalent for solving problems.