What is figure? Pronunciation and usage in English

figure means . Learn how to pronounce and use figure through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of figure

figurenoun

/ˈfɪɡə/
Definition & pronunciation of figure

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "figure" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. The Sounds:

  • "Fig-": This part is pronounced like "fihg" (rhymes with "big"). Think of it as a short, quick "ihg" sound.
  • "-ure": This is pronounced like "eer".

2. Putting it Together:

The full pronunciation is "fihg-eer" (pronounced like "fee-gur").

3. Syllable Breakdown:

It's really two syllables:

  • Syllable 1: "Fihg" – Short, quick "ihg" sound.
  • Syllable 2: "Eer" – A longer "eer" sound, like the "eer" in "beer" or "fear."

4. Tips for Pronunciation:

  • Don't link the syllables too much: It's tempting to say "fee-gur," but the slight pause between the "fihg" and "eer" is key.
  • The "g" in "fig" is a soft 'g': It's a 'g' sound that's not as strong as the 'g' in "go."
  • Listen to examples: This is crucial. Here are a few ways to hear it:
    • Google it: Search "how to pronounce figure" on Google. You'll find audio examples from Merriam-Webster, Cambridge, and other dictionaries.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/figure/ – This site has pronunciations from native speakers.
    • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce figure" on YouTube – there are many pronunciation guides.

Resources to listen:

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly and clearly?
  • Give you some example sentences where you can hear "figure" used?

Usage and examples with the word figure in English

Let's break down how to use the word "figure" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with several different meanings! Here's a breakdown of its common usages, grouped for clarity:

1. As a Verb (To Calculate or Determine)

  • Meaning: To calculate or figure out something.
  • Examples:
    • "I need to figure out how much this bill is." (determine)
    • "Can you figure out the answer to this puzzle?" (calculate)
    • "Let's figure out a solution to this problem." (resolve)
    • "I’m trying to figure out why he’s acting so strange." (understand)
    • "She can figure it out herself." (figure something out)

2. As a Noun (A Number or Shape)

  • a) Number (Statistic or Data Point): This is probably the most common meaning you'll encounter.

    • Meaning: A number that represents a value in a set of data.
    • Examples:
      • "The figure for sales last quarter was 15% higher than expected." (statistical data)
      • "Let's look at the figures on the spreadsheet." (data)
      • "The company announced a profit figure of $10 million." (a specific amount)

  • b) Shape (Geometric Form): Used to describe a shape, often in drawings or diagrams.

    • Meaning: A shape or outline.
    • Examples:
      • "The artist used bold figures in her painting." (human or animal shapes)
      • "This diagram shows the figure of the Earth." (a representation of a shape)

3. As a Noun (A Person – Less Common)

  • Meaning: A person, often a performer or artist. This usage is increasingly rare and usually regional.
  • Examples:
    • "He’s a well-known figure in the art world." (a prominent person)
    • “She’s a significant figure in the social movement.” (a key person)

4. Phrases using "Figure"

  • “Figure it out”: To figure something out (see verb example above).
  • “Figure out a way”: To find a solution or method.
  • “Figure someone/something”: To think of or consider something (often implies a mental process).
    • "I figured he was lying." (I thought)
    • "I figured I'd just order takeout." (I decided)

Tips for Understanding and Using "Figure"

  • Context is key: The meaning of "figure" is heavily dependent on the sentence it’s in. Pay attention to the surrounding words.
  • Distinguish from "figure" (as in, a person of importance): Be careful not to confuse "figure" (the number) with "figure" (a prominent person).
  • Common Usage: When in doubt, "figure out" (as a verb) is a very common and useful phrase for expressing the idea of calculation or understanding.

Resources for More Information:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What context are you encountering the word "figure" in? (e.g., a textbook, a conversation, a news article?)

Synonyms for the word figure

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