figure out — to understand or solve something after thinking about it
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to understand or solve something after thinking about it
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈfɪɡjər aʊt/
Example Sentences
- It took me three hours to figure out how to assemble this IKEA furniture, and I still have five extra screws.
- Scientists are trying to figure out why teenagers need 12 hours of sleep but can stay up until 3 AM scrolling through social media.
- I need to figure out my budget before I go shopping, or I'll end up buying things I don't need.
figure out
VERB[/ˈfɪɡjər aʊt/]
to understand or solve something after thinking about it
A person solves a puzzle after thinking.
Figure out the route, no more doubt — the answer clicks and comes out.
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Old French 'figure' (shape, form) derived from Latin 'figura', combined with the Middle English preposition 'out'. The phrase developed from the literal sense of 'drawing or forming' to the metaphorical sense of 'working out or solving a problem'.
Breakdown
figure (from Latin figura, meaning shape/form) + out (Old English ut, meaning away/forth) = figure out (to work out, solve, or understand)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“It took me three hours to figure out how to assemble this IKEA furniture, and I still have five extra screws.”
“Scientists are trying to figure out why teenagers need 12 hours of sleep but can stay up until 3 AM scrolling through social media.”
“I need to figure out my budget before I go shopping, or I'll end up buying things I don't need.”
“Can you help me figure out this math problem? I've been staring at it for an hour.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
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