Figure Meaning
Figure Definition & Usage
A numerical value or symbol that represents a quantity or amount.
Examples
- "The figure 8 is my lucky number."
- "In this graph, the figure shows a steady increase over the years."
- "The figure on the invoice was much higher than expected."
- "Can you read the figure at the top of this document?"
- "She wrote the figures down in her notebook to keep track of the expenses."
A person or character, especially in a specific role or profession.
Examples
- "Albert Einstein was a prominent figure in the world of physics."
- "The detective was a mysterious figure in the novel."
- "He became a key figure in the company after only a few years."
- "The senator is a well-known figure in national politics."
- "Many historical figures shaped the development of civilization."
A shape or form, especially one that is recognizable or significant in some way.
Examples
- "The artist’s figure was a study of human anatomy."
- "She traced the figure of the tree against the setting sun."
- "The figure in the painting was almost lifelike."
- "His figure was silhouetted against the bright sky."
- "They admired the figure of the dancer as she performed."
To calculate or estimate a number or quantity.
Examples
- "I need to figure out how much it will cost to fix the car."
- "Can you figure the total for me?"
- "They figured the amount of materials needed for the project."
- "It took a few hours to figure the problem out."
- "We need to figure how many tickets we’ve sold so far."
To be considered or seen as something.
Examples
- "He figures prominently in the company’s history."
- "The issue figured in their final decision."
- "You can figure as a likely winner in the contest."
- "She figures as one of the top athletes in the world."
- "The study figures in a lot of the research we’ve done."
Cultural Context
The word 'figure' has a rich history, derived from Latin 'figura,' meaning 'shape, form, or appearance.' It has multiple meanings that span across different domains, from numbers and physical shapes to important people and roles in various contexts like business, art, and history. 'Figure' also has colloquial uses in expressions and idioms, giving it a wide cultural and linguistic reach.
The Enigmatic Figure
Story
The Enigmatic Figure
Lena had always admired the old painting in the gallery, but it wasn't until today that she noticed something odd about the figure in the corner. The figure, barely discernible behind a cloud of smoke and shadow, seemed to be watching her, almost as if it were alive. She stepped closer, her breath quickening. 'Who is that?' she murmured, but the plaque beside the frame offered no clue. She turned to Alex, the gallery's curator, who had spent years cataloging the exhibits. 'You know, Lena,' Alex began, 'that figure was modeled after a real person. He was a prominent figure in the art community during the Renaissance. They say he was as enigmatic as the portraits he posed for.' Lena felt a shiver run down her spine. The figure in the painting had been a man of influence, someone who had shaped the world of art in his day, but something about the way the figure’s eyes seemed to follow her left her unsettled. As the day went on, Lena found herself thinking more about figures—both the people who shaped history and the way they were represented in art. She had always assumed the figures in the gallery were distant, silent, and cold, but now they seemed to hold a different kind of power, a silent sway over those who looked at them. Later that evening, Lena stayed behind after hours, eager to learn more. She began to figure out the connection between the artist and the models he had used—many of them influential figures of their time, each with their own secret stories. The next day, Lena returned to the gallery, ready to uncover more. As she wandered past the portraits, she couldn't shake the feeling that she, too, was becoming part of a figure in the gallery—a part of a larger, mysterious story that had yet to unfold.
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