figure

²figure

verb

fig·uredfig·ur·ing\ˈfi-gyə-riŋ, ˈfi-g(ə-)riŋ\

Definition of FIGURE

transitive verb

1

: to represent by or as if by a figure or outline

2

: to decorate with a pattern; also : to write figures over or under (the bass) in order to indicate the accompanying chords

3

: to indicate or represent by numerals

4

a : calculate b : conclude, decide <figured there was no use in further effort>; also : assume <figure it will rain> c : regard, consider d : to appear likely <figures to win>

intransitive verb

1

a : to be or appear important or conspicuous b : to be involved or implicated <figured in a robbery>

2

: to perform a figure in dancing

3

: compute, calculate

4

: to seem rational, normal, or expected <that figures>

5

: to make sense of something —used interjectionally in the phrase go figure to suggest that something is surprising or perplexing <why do they think women will buy this lie? Go figure — Ellen Bravo>

— fig·ur·er \-g(y)ər-ər\ noun

— figure on

1

: to take into consideration <figuring on the extra income>

2

: to rely on

3

: plan <I figure on going into town>

Examples of FIGURE

1. “They lost.” “I figured as much.”
2. She figures to finish by noon.
3. The debate over tax rates figured prominently in the last election.

First Known Use of FIGURE

14th century

Related to FIGURE

Synonyms: choose, conclude, determine, decide, name, opt, resolve, settle (on or upon)

Related Words: decree, rule; cull, elect, handpick, pick, prefer, select, single (out); adjudge, adjudicate, arbitrate, find, judge, referee, rule (on), umpire; chew over, cogitate, consider, contemplate, debate, deliberate, entertain, meditate, mull (over), ponder, question, ruminate, study, think (about or over), weigh

Near Antonyms: abstain, decline, refuse, reject, turn down; delay, halt, hesitate, stall, temporize; shilly-shally, vacillate, waffle, waver

see all synonyms and antonyms

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