Definition Definition

figure - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'figure' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Figure [ n.]
- The form of anything; shape; outline; appearance.
- The representation of any form, as by drawing, painting, modeling, carving, embroidering, etc.; especially, a representation of the human body; as, a figure in bronze; a figure cut in marble.
- A pattern in cloth, paper, or other manufactured article; a design wrought out in a fabric; as, the muslin was of a pretty figure.
- A diagram or drawing; made to represent a magnitude or the relation of two or more magnitudes; a surface or space inclosed on all sides; -- called superficial when inclosed by lines, and solid when inclosed by surface; any arrangement made up of points, lines, angles, surfaces, etc.
- The appearance or impression made by the conduct or carrer of a person; as, a sorry figure.
- Distinguished appearance; magnificence; conspicuous representation; splendor; show.
- A character or symbol representing a number; a numeral; a digit; as, 1, 2,3, etc.
- Value, as expressed in numbers; price; as, the goods are estimated or sold at a low figure.
- A person, thing, or action, conceived of as analogous to another person, thing, or action, of which it thus becomes a type or representative.
- A mode of expressing abstract or immaterial ideas by words which suggest pictures or images from the physical world; pictorial language; a trope; hence, any deviation from the plainest form of statement.
- The form of a syllogism with respect to the relative position of the middle term.
- Any one of the several regular steps or movements made by a dancer.
- A horoscope; the diagram of the aspects of the astrological houses.
- Any short succession of notes, either as melody or as a group of chords, which produce a single complete and distinct impression.
- A form of melody or accompaniment kept up through a strain or passage; a musical or motive; a florid embellishment.
- To represent by a figure, as to form or mold; to make an image of, either palpable or ideal; also, to fashion into a determinate form; to shape.
- To embellish with design; to adorn with figures.
- To indicate by numerals; also, to compute.
- To represent by a metaphor; to signify or symbolize.
- To prefigure; to foreshow.
- To write over or under the bass, as figures or other characters, in order to indicate the accompanying chords.
- To embellish.
2 . Figure [ v. t.]
- To make a figure; to be distinguished or conspicious; as, the envoy figured at court.
- To calculate; to contrive; to scheme; as, he is figuring to secure the nomination.

Meaning of 'figure' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . figure [ n]
Meaning (1):
- one of the elements that collectively form a system of numeration
Example in sentence:
  • 0 and 1 are digits
Meaning (2):
- an amount of money expressed numerically
Example in sentence:
  • a figure of $17 was suggested
Meaning (3):
- the impression produced by a person
Example in sentence:
  • a heroic figure;
  • he cut a fine figure
Meaning (4):
- alternative names for the body of a human being
Example in sentence:
  • he has a strong physique;
  • Leonardo studied the human body;
  • the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak
Meaning (5):
- a model of a bodily form (especially of a person)
Example in sentence:
  • he made a figure of Santa Claus
Meaning (6):
- a well-known or notable person
Example in sentence:
  • she is an important figure in modern music;
  • they studied all the great names in the history of France
Meaning (7):
- a predetermined set of movements in dancing or skating
Example in sentence:
  • she made the best score on compulsory figures
Meaning (8):
- a diagram or picture illustrating textual material
Example in sentence:
  • the area covered can be seen from Figure 2
Meaning (9):
- a decorative or artistic work
Example in sentence:
  • the coach had a design on the doors
Meaning (10):
- the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals
Example in sentence:
  • the figure was about a thousand;
  • the number of parameters is small
11 . figure [ v]
Meaning (11):
- be or play a part of or in
Example in sentence:
  • Elections figure prominently in every government program;
  • How do the elections figure in the current pattern of internal politics?
Meaning (12):
- understand
Example in sentence:
  • He didn't figure her
Meaning (13):
- imagine; conceive of; see in one's mind
Example in sentence:
  • I can see a risk in this strategy;
  • I can see what will happen;
  • I can't see him on horseback!