| 释义 |
Definition of figure in English: figurenoun ˈfɪɡəˈfɪɡjər 1A number, especially one which forms part of official statistics or relates to the financial performance of a company. by 1998, this figure had risen to 14 million Example sentencesExamples - The country has nearly 100 million Internet users, according to official figures, and the figure is rising.
- Passenger revenue was calculated using population figures, surveyors' road traffic counts and the passenger rates of similar lines.
- As is often the case with trade statistics, figures quantifying the value of pirated Caribbean music are difficult to find.
- All the figures are taken from official statistics, and exclude employees who do less than one hour of unpaid overtime a week.
- Use these figures to calculate loss of future business due to customer dissatisfaction.
- The Bank's move came despite today's official figures showing inflation rising to its highest level for two years.
- In 1978, financial figures revealed that the average house price in London was £16, 731.
- Those are not figures that are just plucked out of the air; they are official police figures used to compile statistics.
- Similar results this time will mean a much closer election than today's poll figures suggest.
- As a privately held company it did not publish financial performance figures.
- It cites official figures that show crime rising steadily over 40 years.
- No attendance figures were released, but only 1,500 of the 7,000 published programmes were sold.
- Lambeth has become cleaner and greener, with latest performance figures showing a slight rise in recycling rates.
- Indeed, Die Welt reported on Friday that it had obtained a copy of the latest unemployment figures not due for official release until this week.
- On Friday came fresh figures on the economy and on retail sales.
- The college's intake from state schools is 94 per cent compared with last year's figure of 89 per cent.
- The company's latest sales figures are down nearly 8 per cent on a year ago.
- Does he have any figures on the increase of respiratory illness?
- In 1998 there were 52, and last year's figures are likely to be similar.
- Though precise figures are unavailable, anecdotal estimates rarely vary.
- Today's attendance figures at those galleries and exhibitions would have astonished and thrilled curators in the 1960s.
Synonyms statistic, number, integer, quantity, amount, level, total, sum (figures), data, information, particulars - 1.1 A numerical symbol, especially any of the ten in Arabic notation.
Example sentencesExamples - Lucian drew a sideways figure 8 in the air beside Mark.
- Millar is preparing for the opening time trial wearing a number that ends with a figure 1.
Synonyms digit, numeral, numerical symbol, character rare cipher - 1.2 One of a specified number of digits making up a larger number, used to give a rough idea of the order of magnitude.
in combination a six-figure sum of money Example sentencesExamples - You should be prepared for the possibility of lower investment yields in the future - likely to be in single figures.
- Considering that this is aimed at children of ages in single figures, it's not necessarily the most uncomplicated arrangement.
- They don't want you to know that reps are working about 20 to 30 hours a week while pulling down close to six-figure salaries.
- This FA Cup third round tie is cue, presumably, for a typical Fulham gag-fest, a joke or two about keeping the score in single figures.
- The cost savings will be between six and seven figures.
- One of these youths stole a four-figure sum from me recently and I am now very apprehensive.
- Our inflation rate has been in single figures, moving between 2 percent and 4 percent.
- 1.3 An amount of money.
a figure of two thousand pounds Example sentencesExamples - The gross for the final session was up 14.2% over last year's figure of $1,160,500.
- In the 18 months since the meters were introduced, they had not even managed to bring in half of the break-even figure of about £4,500.
- Within the letter, the figure of ‘$500,000 a year’ is noted repeatedly.
Synonyms price, cost, amount, quantity, value, valuation, quotation, quote, rate total, sum, aggregate informal, humorous damage - 1.4figures Arithmetical calculations.
she has no head for figures Example sentencesExamples - She has a first in mathematics, so she clearly has a head for figures.
- His father sent him off to college to study business administration, but Gallagher says he wasn't any good at figures.
- A natural affinity for figures - he used to help his father's bookkeeper - got him a start in accountancy.
- I am terrible at maths and even worse at figures, but I trust all my advisers because they are basically friends as well.
- Lee took the maps and calibrators and ran a few figures and calculations and looked at the Admiral.
- The man thought this over for a few seconds, calculating figures in his head.
Synonyms arithmetic, mathematics, sums, calculations, reckoning, computation, numbers, statistics, counting British informal maths North American informal math
2A person's bodily shape, especially that of a woman and when considered to be attractive. she had always been so proud of her figure Example sentencesExamples - It's good mentally because you have to be alert the whole time and it's great physically because it really keeps your figure in trim.
- At 82, he remains a tall, dashing figure and a serious charmer.
- She will be proud to show her figure as she will pose in sexy lingerie of her choice.
- He couldn't sleep at night, only thinking of her slim and attractive figure with a good-natured mind.
- She does not dress scantily when exercising, even though she has an attractive figure.
- The pants really flattered her figure.
- It may seem obvious, but when the human figure is portrayed in art, it is either clothed or naked.
- For artists, the beauty and complexity of the human figure is the prime impetus for painting it.
- The girls were fashionably attired but not overdressed, with attractive figures and lovely faces.
- She looks ravishing, with an hourglass figure that is beyond comprehension.
- Amy's figure was very slim, with long legs, arms, and a slender neck.
- Sally can offer advice on colours and what shapes suit your figure.
Synonyms physique, build, frame, body, proportions, torso, shape, form, stature informal vital statistics, chassis, bod - 2.1 A person seen indistinctly or from a distance.
a dark figure emerged from the shadows Example sentencesExamples - The streets were dark and all but deserted; we only saw two figures off in the distance in the dim streets.
- Derick looked up to see a shadowy, cloaked figure.
- As she rode out of the woods she noticed a lone figure sitting on the white fence near the stable.
- She squinted suddenly at what appeared to be two figures in the distance.
- Occasionally, we spot a lone figure emerging on the horizon.
- A shadowy, hooded figure emerged from the forest and approached me.
- I saw a figure in the distance walking with a pronounced limp.
- Elizabeth looked up and past Jesse, seeing a tall dark figure appear from the elevator.
- She screamed even louder when the door suddenly opened and a dark figure suddenly appeared.
- A dark figure emerged from one side of the street and another from the other side.
- When I did awake I noticed a shadowy figure standing over me.
- There was no one nearby but she saw figures running in the distance.
- Bryony spotted the lone figure emerging from the water, the current lapping at his body.
- By the time the dust died down, they were but four figures on the distant horizon.
- The three survivors stood in silence as a lone figure appeared in the dark shadows of the doorway.
- In an answer to her question, Rena saw a cloaked figure standing before her.
- As Dan turned, the slim figure hurled him bodily against the far wall.
- Mark's heart was pounding as a hooded figure appeared in front of him.
- As Stefansson made his way across the ice and snow, he saw figures in the distance approaching him.
- Through the blur of the falling rain, Tracy notices a hooded figure dressed in black.
Synonyms silhouette, outline, shape, form, profile, shadow - 2.2 A representation of a human or animal form in drawing or sculpture.
Example sentencesExamples - Like Manet, Degas painted figures in the studio rather than outdoors.
- Those with painting skills display their talent by drawing eye-catching figures in attractive hues.
- The presence of the shadow-like figures in each of her canvases only serves as a suggestion to set her mind on capturing the movement and rhythm.
- For, in his frames, there is always the presence of figures blending into each other - forever in a rush to complement each other.
- The modeling and outline of the figures showed sculptural solidity.
- Sumida pottery is a heavy, brightly glazed pottery and often has human and animal figures attached as reliefs.
- As a child, he had sculpted small animal figures from riverbank clay.
- Although Monet mostly painted nature scenes, he sometimes included human figures in his paintings.
- The figures lack the sculptural quality of those in the Asnieres painting.
- His human and animal figures, reduced to mounds, slabs and tubes, possess a quiet grace.
- Painter John Wesley is known for his flatly painted, cartoonish canvases of figures and animals.
- His other sculptures are figures of saints, the Holy Virgin, Christ and of ordinary people.
- Surrealistic and abstract human figures instead dominate his oil paintings.
- For 18 years, he ferried pieces of junk and debris on his bicycle to the municipal site and worked by night to shape the figures.
- But Ghirlandaio does not depict busts or statues, his figures are shown as though alive within an illusionistic setting.
- The sculptures are mainly human and animal figures, although one is based on cartoon character Shrek.
- His pursuit of beauty continues to this day, as he quietly goes about his daily tasks of carving stone sculptures and casting concrete figures.
- It contains twenty-eight tapestries, 118 sculpted figures and forty-one paintings.
- Small clay figures, human and animal, were modelled and placed as offerings on mountain peak sanctuaries.
- The sculpture consists of two figures facing one another, the one on the left male, and the one on the right female.
Synonyms human representation, image of a person, effigy likeness
3A person of a particular kind, especially one who is important or distinctive in some way. Williams became something of a cult figure Example sentencesExamples - But Johnson and Boswell were not the only literary figures to be attracted to these western islands.
- It was decided that portraits of historical figures who have made important contributions to culture and art should be sculptured.
- Cobain became the figurehead, the cult figure, the hero to some.
- A native of the Auvergne, he became a leading figure in the regionalist movement in France.
- Later that month as public concern about the costs of the dome grew Sanchia Berg spoke to leading figures in the visitor attraction industry.
- The main figure on whom Baxter relied was Randall.
- Cultural heroes are important figures in the folklore of Polynesian societies.
- His chief European rival, Saint-Exupéry, was a complex but more attractive figure.
- He became a leading figure in the early working class movement in Britain.
- He's up there with Jacques Chirac in terms of being a durable figure on the world stage.
- He's not the most attractive public figure but he certainly isn't the least.
- Certain literary figures have attracted special scrutiny, in recent years none more so than Samuel Johnson.
- In many cases it is perfectly reasonable to accept the conclusions of authority figures one trusts.
- Ibrahim said the draft bill calls for schools to form committees with parents, local government officials and public figures.
- Among those who died in the hijacked planes were a television producer, an actor, sports officials, media figures and captains of industry.
- An opera forgotten for more than 100 hundred years tells the story of one of Skipton's most important historical figures.
- But despite the author's best efforts, he does not emerge from these pages as an attractive figure.
- Abacus has brought out paperback titles relating to two important figures in twentieth century intellectual thought.
- Many of Ireland's most prominent historical figures are contained in the archive, as well as pictures of Ireland.
- Fraenkel, von Neumann, Bernays and Gödel are all important figures in this development.
Synonyms person, personage, individual, man, woman, character, personality, presence representative, embodiment, personification, epitome, symbol, representation, exemplification, exemplar 4A shape which is defined by one or more lines in two dimensions (such as a circle or a triangle), or one or more surfaces in three dimensions (such as a sphere or a cuboid), either considered mathematically in geometry or used as a decorative design. a red ground with white and blue geometrical figures Example sentencesExamples - He observed that ideas of shapes or figures, like the triangle, were ideas of things he had not invented or conjured up.
- Now if you thought these lines referred to geometric figures, you would not be too far wrong.
- In particular he proved that the sphere was the solid figure of greatest surface area for a given volume.
- The simplest way to look at it is this: actually, neither of the two larger figures shown are triangles.
- Odd shapes and geometric figures swam in and out of Dawn's consciousness.
Synonyms shape, pattern, design, motif, device, depiction - 4.1 A diagram or illustrative drawing, especially in a book or magazine.
figure 1 shows an ignition circuit Example sentencesExamples - The text is well illustrated with excellent diagrams, sketches and figures.
- Figure 1b shows the results obtained for = 0.001 with the swap step.
- The data from each plate were then graphed and analyzed (Figure 1A).
- Lesions are often associated with main leaf veins (Figure 2A and 2B).
- The book utilizes tables and figures effectively to illustrate the main concepts of each chapter.
Synonyms diagram, illustration, drawing, picture, plate, graphic, sketch, chart, plan, map - 4.2 (in skating) a movement or series of movements following a prescribed pattern and often beginning and ending at the same point.
Example sentencesExamples - For the rare skater who is still involved in skating figures, one final aspect of the used blades market is the practice of converting used freestyle blades into patch blades.
- In receiving the award Jered follows in his mother's footsteps - she is listed on the trophy three times, as a gold test skater in figures, freestyle, and pairs.
- 4.3 A pattern formed by the movements of a group of people, for example in country dancing, as part of a longer dance or display.
Example sentencesExamples - Congratulations also to Spa and Glenflesk also for winning the All Ireland also in set dancing and figure dancing.
- Included are figure dancing, solo dancing, recitations, music and novelty acts.
- It has dance movements, or figures, that might remind you of traditional square dancing.
- Most Irish figure dancing or step dancing is carried on behind closed doors.
- Elspeth was using her hands to explain something about the dance figures.
- The figures of these dances mapped a circuitous route back to Ireland - not just an imagined return but an embodied recovery.
- Every year, during the figure dancing season, each class has an opportunity to host a Feis.
- 4.4archaic The external form or shape of something.
5Music
A short succession of notes producing a single impression; a brief melodic or rhythmic formula out of which longer passages are developed. Example sentencesExamples - When the broad flowing melody is allowed to return, that is eventually interrupted with a striking five note figure for muted brass.
- Every melodic figure had its replica, every phrase, its counterpoise in his music.
- Warm melodic figures are juxtaposed with harsher percussive patterns, setting up some fascinating contrasts in sound.
- Melodic figures are treated circularly, giving the piece a minimalist sound.
- Their textures are dominated by right-hand melodies against chordal accompaniment figures.
6Logic
The form of a syllogism, classified according to the position of the middle term.
verb ˈfɪɡəˈfɪɡjər [no object]1Have a significant part or role in a situation or process. the issue of nuclear policy figured prominently in the talks human rights do not figure high on their agenda Example sentencesExamples - Political parties have always figured prominently in Congress since the earliest days of the American Republic.
- This is a subway stop that just doesn't figure in the mythology of New York.
- The Clark holdings played no small part in these events; they also figured prominently in the critical counterpunch.
- The state of the economy and of the overall battle against terrorism should also figure in a major way.
- This scandal has even figured in the American presidential election.
- Not surprisingly, race figured prominently in the cases in the 1994 study.
- Figures due out on November 21 might be instructive but a merger deal is not thought likely to figure in the statement.
- Scotland may figure in the government's compromise deal, though not for the right reasons.
- Scarborough will have the same squad on duty at Rushden tomorrow as the one that figured in the 1-0 defeat of Altrincham on Wednesday.
- How well you handle them will figure in any estimate of your future potential.
- Now, however, imagine her rescue figuring on the nightly analysis slot of some channel.
- Although they will not get all that they want, there were signs last night that the issue will figure in the summit's final action plan.
- But pressure is integral to F1 and fear has failed to figure in the careers of either driver.
- The Connemara Market at Palayam, a village market-place under a tree and even a modern market figured among the paintings.
- Class interest barely figures in the totalitarian approach.
- Here we are confronted with the first of many social dilemmas which are to figure in the young Carver's life.
- It feels as if Haentjens has things to say about Plath that don't figure in this novel.
- Women's boxing is yet to figure in the Olympics but is gaining ground.
- In the ensuing decade, Performance has regularly figured in lists of the best British films.
Synonyms feature, appear, be featured/mentioned, be referred to participate, play a part, play a role, be conspicuous, have prominence, have a place star 2North American with object Calculate or work out (an amount or value) arithmetically. my accountant figured my tax wrong Example sentencesExamples - The change in tree cover over time was figured by comparing Landsat TM satellite images from 1985 and 2001.
- I figure that a bodybuilder has to eat at least six times a day to grow, which is 42 meals a week.
- You won't even have to rack your brains over calculating taxes since they've already figured it out for you on the menu.
Synonyms calculate, work out, total, sum, reckon, compute, enumerate, determine, evaluate, quantify, assess, count, add up, put a figure on, tally, totalize, gauge British tot up rare cast 3North American informal with clause Think, consider, or expect to be the case. I figured that I didn't have much of a chance with object for years, teachers had figured him for a dullard Example sentencesExamples - They figure that the more control they have over applications, the more they'll be able to charge.
- I'd done it a few times, but figured the money wasn't really worth it.
- Miriam left for school an hour early because she figured the peace protesters would make it hard to get to class.
- I stood up, walked around, drank some water and figured it was just a passing phase.
- He figured this person would make an excellent singer.
- It's not exactly revelatory information, but I figured someone out there might find it useful.
- I figured people might be getting bored of reading about me all the time
- But I figured the only people who were reading my blog when I wrote these were Maccers and Snowy, so I might get away with it.
- I figured the radical transformation of the world's energy supply would be of personal interest to them.
- They figured most people would go there at one point.
- There were actually a lot of people outside, which was weird since it was a Saturday and I figured people were tired.
- I figure that if I stand around and look helpless, someone will at least offer to buy me a drink.
- I figured people would be asking that question, but what you see in the movie is kind of our take on that.
- Investors figure that the purchaser will pay a high price for the company.
- By the time he got downstairs it had stopped ringing but he figured the person might still be there.
- Sighing heavily, Joan figured this conversation had gone on long enough.
- Wiley figured the water level must have risen from all the rain they had received the day before.
- I figured this idea could make me a millionaire, but it looks like someone beat me to it.
- I figured this last revelation would give him something to think about, but he barely flinched.
- From the sound of his voice I figured the person who walked in was young.
Synonyms suppose, think, believe, fancy, consider, expect, take it, suspect, have a sneaking suspicion, sense assume, dare say, conclude, take it as read, presume, be of the opinion, trust deduce, infer, gather, glean, divine North American guess - 3.1 (of a recent event or newly discovered fact) be perfectly understandable and only to be expected.
well, she supposed that figured Example sentencesExamples - It would figure that this great hog, this glorified genre gourmand, would want more.
- That figured and didn't surprise him, though he wished Harry would just have a normal conversation instead of locking him in a room.
- Sure, that figures, if you're going to drive with that kind of load at high speed you're bound to damage something.
- Given the turmoil in the auction world, it figures that the firm would be looking for new, larger quarters.
Synonyms make sense, be understandable, seem reasonable, stand to reason, be to be expected, be logical, follow, add up, stand up, hold up ring true, be convincing be likely/probable, go without saying
4with object Represent in a diagram or picture. varieties of this Cape genus are figured from drawings made there Example sentencesExamples - However, the mutual acknowledgement of the other only occurs when their death is figured as inevitable.
- An adopted daughter, who would not be represented in the tree that is figured, would nevertheless form part of the unit.
- There is something very odd about the way the revolution is figured, and the oddness goes beyond the closing scene.
- Losing oneself in the movie is not figured as pleasurable, but sets up, rather, a mode of helplessness in the face of an opaque and fragmented story line.
- 4.1usually as adjective figured Embellish (something) with a pattern.
the floors were covered with figured linoleum Example sentencesExamples - It has superbly figured timber, a majestic curvaceous profile and spectacular mounts that echo in gilt-bronze the carved detail on the jewel cabinet.
- Reflecting the changing styles, the single-cutaway guitar featured a flat, figured maple top.
- The shapes are highly varied - cylinders, prisms, animals - and the designs range from abstract patterns to figured images of people and animals.
Derivatives adjective She saw herself as a ten-year-old, as skinny and figureless as a stick, with a mop of unruly dark curls atop her head. Example sentencesExamples - The floor has been darkened and Rotman's figureless photographs are lit from behind.
- Her figureless images juxtapose the natural with the manmade with surprising results: The more we humans manipulate the earth, the more dehumanized it appears.
- From the perspective of Hunt's realist intentions he had no other option than to paint a figureless composition, an option that converged with his frustration with the local Jewish community.
- She dressed, pulling on the plain white tunic and figureless brown trousers.
Origin Middle English (in the senses 'distinctive shape of a person or thing', 'representation of something material or immaterial', and 'numerical symbol', among others): from Old French figure (noun), figurer (verb), from Latin figura 'shape, figure, form'; related to fingere 'form, contrive'. The word figure, which comes ultimately from Latin figura ‘shape, figure, form’ came into English with the same wide range of meanings it has today, from ‘distinctive shape of a person’, ‘representation of something’, to ‘numerical symbol’.
Rhymes chigger, configure, Frigga, jigger, ligger, rigger, rigor, rigour, snigger, swigger, transfigure, trigger, vigour (US vigor) Definition of figure in US English: figurenounˈfiɡyərˈfɪɡjər 1A number, especially one which forms part of official statistics or relates to the financial performance of a company. a figure of 30,000 deaths annually from snakebite Example sentencesExamples - As is often the case with trade statistics, figures quantifying the value of pirated Caribbean music are difficult to find.
- Passenger revenue was calculated using population figures, surveyors' road traffic counts and the passenger rates of similar lines.
- Today's attendance figures at those galleries and exhibitions would have astonished and thrilled curators in the 1960s.
- No attendance figures were released, but only 1,500 of the 7,000 published programmes were sold.
- It cites official figures that show crime rising steadily over 40 years.
- Use these figures to calculate loss of future business due to customer dissatisfaction.
- Those are not figures that are just plucked out of the air; they are official police figures used to compile statistics.
- The Bank's move came despite today's official figures showing inflation rising to its highest level for two years.
- Though precise figures are unavailable, anecdotal estimates rarely vary.
- Indeed, Die Welt reported on Friday that it had obtained a copy of the latest unemployment figures not due for official release until this week.
- In 1978, financial figures revealed that the average house price in London was £16, 731.
- In 1998 there were 52, and last year's figures are likely to be similar.
- The company's latest sales figures are down nearly 8 per cent on a year ago.
- The country has nearly 100 million Internet users, according to official figures, and the figure is rising.
- On Friday came fresh figures on the economy and on retail sales.
- Does he have any figures on the increase of respiratory illness?
- The college's intake from state schools is 94 per cent compared with last year's figure of 89 per cent.
- All the figures are taken from official statistics, and exclude employees who do less than one hour of unpaid overtime a week.
- As a privately held company it did not publish financial performance figures.
- Similar results this time will mean a much closer election than today's poll figures suggest.
- Lambeth has become cleaner and greener, with latest performance figures showing a slight rise in recycling rates.
Synonyms statistic, number, integer, quantity, amount, level, total, sum - 1.1 A numerical symbol, especially any of the ten in Arabic notation.
Example sentencesExamples - Lucian drew a sideways figure 8 in the air beside Mark.
- Millar is preparing for the opening time trial wearing a number that ends with a figure 1.
Synonyms digit, numeral, numerical symbol, character - 1.2 One of a specified number of digits making up a larger number, used to give a rough idea of the order of magnitude.
their market price runs into five figures in combination a six-figure salary Example sentencesExamples - One of these youths stole a four-figure sum from me recently and I am now very apprehensive.
- Our inflation rate has been in single figures, moving between 2 percent and 4 percent.
- The cost savings will be between six and seven figures.
- This FA Cup third round tie is cue, presumably, for a typical Fulham gag-fest, a joke or two about keeping the score in single figures.
- You should be prepared for the possibility of lower investment yields in the future - likely to be in single figures.
- They don't want you to know that reps are working about 20 to 30 hours a week while pulling down close to six-figure salaries.
- Considering that this is aimed at children of ages in single figures, it's not necessarily the most uncomplicated arrangement.
- 1.3 An amount of money.
a figure of two thousand dollars Example sentencesExamples - Within the letter, the figure of ‘$500,000 a year’ is noted repeatedly.
- The gross for the final session was up 14.2% over last year's figure of $1,160,500.
- In the 18 months since the meters were introduced, they had not even managed to bring in half of the break-even figure of about £4,500.
Synonyms price, cost, amount, quantity, value, valuation, quotation, quote, rate - 1.4figures Arithmetical calculations.
she has no head for figures Example sentencesExamples - A natural affinity for figures - he used to help his father's bookkeeper - got him a start in accountancy.
- The man thought this over for a few seconds, calculating figures in his head.
- His father sent him off to college to study business administration, but Gallagher says he wasn't any good at figures.
- Lee took the maps and calibrators and ran a few figures and calculations and looked at the Admiral.
- She has a first in mathematics, so she clearly has a head for figures.
- I am terrible at maths and even worse at figures, but I trust all my advisers because they are basically friends as well.
Synonyms arithmetic, mathematics, sums, calculations, reckoning, computation, numbers, statistics, counting
2A person's bodily shape, especially that of a woman and when considered to be attractive. she had always been so proud of her figure Example sentencesExamples - She does not dress scantily when exercising, even though she has an attractive figure.
- Sally can offer advice on colours and what shapes suit your figure.
- He couldn't sleep at night, only thinking of her slim and attractive figure with a good-natured mind.
- The girls were fashionably attired but not overdressed, with attractive figures and lovely faces.
- It may seem obvious, but when the human figure is portrayed in art, it is either clothed or naked.
- It's good mentally because you have to be alert the whole time and it's great physically because it really keeps your figure in trim.
- She will be proud to show her figure as she will pose in sexy lingerie of her choice.
- For artists, the beauty and complexity of the human figure is the prime impetus for painting it.
- The pants really flattered her figure.
- She looks ravishing, with an hourglass figure that is beyond comprehension.
- Amy's figure was very slim, with long legs, arms, and a slender neck.
- At 82, he remains a tall, dashing figure and a serious charmer.
Synonyms physique, build, frame, body, proportions, torso, shape, form, stature - 2.1 A person seen indistinctly, especially at a distance.
a backpacked figure appeared in the distance Example sentencesExamples - A dark figure emerged from one side of the street and another from the other side.
- The three survivors stood in silence as a lone figure appeared in the dark shadows of the doorway.
- There was no one nearby but she saw figures running in the distance.
- Bryony spotted the lone figure emerging from the water, the current lapping at his body.
- In an answer to her question, Rena saw a cloaked figure standing before her.
- As Stefansson made his way across the ice and snow, he saw figures in the distance approaching him.
- Mark's heart was pounding as a hooded figure appeared in front of him.
- I saw a figure in the distance walking with a pronounced limp.
- Occasionally, we spot a lone figure emerging on the horizon.
- By the time the dust died down, they were but four figures on the distant horizon.
- Derick looked up to see a shadowy, cloaked figure.
- When I did awake I noticed a shadowy figure standing over me.
- She squinted suddenly at what appeared to be two figures in the distance.
- As she rode out of the woods she noticed a lone figure sitting on the white fence near the stable.
- The streets were dark and all but deserted; we only saw two figures off in the distance in the dim streets.
- A shadowy, hooded figure emerged from the forest and approached me.
- Elizabeth looked up and past Jesse, seeing a tall dark figure appear from the elevator.
- Through the blur of the falling rain, Tracy notices a hooded figure dressed in black.
- As Dan turned, the slim figure hurled him bodily against the far wall.
- She screamed even louder when the door suddenly opened and a dark figure suddenly appeared.
Synonyms silhouette, outline, shape, form, profile, shadow - 2.2 A representation of a human or animal form in drawing or sculpture.
Example sentencesExamples - The modeling and outline of the figures showed sculptural solidity.
- The sculpture consists of two figures facing one another, the one on the left male, and the one on the right female.
- As a child, he had sculpted small animal figures from riverbank clay.
- His human and animal figures, reduced to mounds, slabs and tubes, possess a quiet grace.
- The figures lack the sculptural quality of those in the Asnieres painting.
- But Ghirlandaio does not depict busts or statues, his figures are shown as though alive within an illusionistic setting.
- The sculptures are mainly human and animal figures, although one is based on cartoon character Shrek.
- Painter John Wesley is known for his flatly painted, cartoonish canvases of figures and animals.
- Those with painting skills display their talent by drawing eye-catching figures in attractive hues.
- Although Monet mostly painted nature scenes, he sometimes included human figures in his paintings.
- It contains twenty-eight tapestries, 118 sculpted figures and forty-one paintings.
- Small clay figures, human and animal, were modelled and placed as offerings on mountain peak sanctuaries.
- Like Manet, Degas painted figures in the studio rather than outdoors.
- His pursuit of beauty continues to this day, as he quietly goes about his daily tasks of carving stone sculptures and casting concrete figures.
- The presence of the shadow-like figures in each of her canvases only serves as a suggestion to set her mind on capturing the movement and rhythm.
- For, in his frames, there is always the presence of figures blending into each other - forever in a rush to complement each other.
- His other sculptures are figures of saints, the Holy Virgin, Christ and of ordinary people.
- For 18 years, he ferried pieces of junk and debris on his bicycle to the municipal site and worked by night to shape the figures.
- Sumida pottery is a heavy, brightly glazed pottery and often has human and animal figures attached as reliefs.
- Surrealistic and abstract human figures instead dominate his oil paintings.
Synonyms human representation, image of a person, effigy
3A person of a particular kind, especially one who is important or distinctive in some way. Williams became something of a cult figure Example sentencesExamples - His chief European rival, Saint-Exupéry, was a complex but more attractive figure.
- The main figure on whom Baxter relied was Randall.
- A native of the Auvergne, he became a leading figure in the regionalist movement in France.
- Later that month as public concern about the costs of the dome grew Sanchia Berg spoke to leading figures in the visitor attraction industry.
- But despite the author's best efforts, he does not emerge from these pages as an attractive figure.
- Certain literary figures have attracted special scrutiny, in recent years none more so than Samuel Johnson.
- He became a leading figure in the early working class movement in Britain.
- An opera forgotten for more than 100 hundred years tells the story of one of Skipton's most important historical figures.
- Many of Ireland's most prominent historical figures are contained in the archive, as well as pictures of Ireland.
- Cobain became the figurehead, the cult figure, the hero to some.
- He's not the most attractive public figure but he certainly isn't the least.
- In many cases it is perfectly reasonable to accept the conclusions of authority figures one trusts.
- Among those who died in the hijacked planes were a television producer, an actor, sports officials, media figures and captains of industry.
- Ibrahim said the draft bill calls for schools to form committees with parents, local government officials and public figures.
- Cultural heroes are important figures in the folklore of Polynesian societies.
- It was decided that portraits of historical figures who have made important contributions to culture and art should be sculptured.
- He's up there with Jacques Chirac in terms of being a durable figure on the world stage.
- Abacus has brought out paperback titles relating to two important figures in twentieth century intellectual thought.
- But Johnson and Boswell were not the only literary figures to be attracted to these western islands.
- Fraenkel, von Neumann, Bernays and Gödel are all important figures in this development.
Synonyms person, personage, individual, man, woman, character, personality, presence 4A shape which is defined by one or more lines in two dimensions (such as a circle or a triangle), or one or more surfaces in three dimensions (such as a sphere or a cuboid), either considered mathematically in geometry or used as a decorative design. a red ground with white and blue geometric figures Example sentencesExamples - The simplest way to look at it is this: actually, neither of the two larger figures shown are triangles.
- Now if you thought these lines referred to geometric figures, you would not be too far wrong.
- He observed that ideas of shapes or figures, like the triangle, were ideas of things he had not invented or conjured up.
- Odd shapes and geometric figures swam in and out of Dawn's consciousness.
- In particular he proved that the sphere was the solid figure of greatest surface area for a given volume.
Synonyms shape, pattern, design, motif, device, depiction - 4.1 A diagram or illustrative drawing, especially in a book or magazine.
figure 1 shows an ignition circuit Example sentencesExamples - Lesions are often associated with main leaf veins (Figure 2A and 2B).
- The text is well illustrated with excellent diagrams, sketches and figures.
- Figure 1b shows the results obtained for = 0.001 with the swap step.
- The book utilizes tables and figures effectively to illustrate the main concepts of each chapter.
- The data from each plate were then graphed and analyzed (Figure 1A).
Synonyms diagram, illustration, drawing, picture, plate, graphic, sketch, chart, plan, map - 4.2 (in skating) a movement or series of movements following a prescribed pattern and often beginning and ending at the same point.
Example sentencesExamples - For the rare skater who is still involved in skating figures, one final aspect of the used blades market is the practice of converting used freestyle blades into patch blades.
- In receiving the award Jered follows in his mother's footsteps - she is listed on the trophy three times, as a gold test skater in figures, freestyle, and pairs.
- 4.3 A pattern formed by the movements of a group of people, for example in square dancing or synchronized swimming, as part of a longer dance or display.
Example sentencesExamples - Included are figure dancing, solo dancing, recitations, music and novelty acts.
- Elspeth was using her hands to explain something about the dance figures.
- Most Irish figure dancing or step dancing is carried on behind closed doors.
- Congratulations also to Spa and Glenflesk also for winning the All Ireland also in set dancing and figure dancing.
- It has dance movements, or figures, that might remind you of traditional square dancing.
- Every year, during the figure dancing season, each class has an opportunity to host a Feis.
- The figures of these dances mapped a circuitous route back to Ireland - not just an imagined return but an embodied recovery.
- 4.4archaic The external form or shape of something.
5Music
A short succession of notes producing a single impression. Example sentencesExamples - When the broad flowing melody is allowed to return, that is eventually interrupted with a striking five note figure for muted brass.
- Every melodic figure had its replica, every phrase, its counterpoise in his music.
- Their textures are dominated by right-hand melodies against chordal accompaniment figures.
- Melodic figures are treated circularly, giving the piece a minimalist sound.
- Warm melodic figures are juxtaposed with harsher percussive patterns, setting up some fascinating contrasts in sound.
6Logic
The form of a syllogism, classified according to the position of the middle term.
verbˈfiɡyərˈfɪɡjər [no object]1Be a significant and noticeable part of something. the issue of nuclear policy figured prominently in the talks Example sentencesExamples - In the ensuing decade, Performance has regularly figured in lists of the best British films.
- Here we are confronted with the first of many social dilemmas which are to figure in the young Carver's life.
- Class interest barely figures in the totalitarian approach.
- Scotland may figure in the government's compromise deal, though not for the right reasons.
- The Clark holdings played no small part in these events; they also figured prominently in the critical counterpunch.
- Figures due out on November 21 might be instructive but a merger deal is not thought likely to figure in the statement.
- The state of the economy and of the overall battle against terrorism should also figure in a major way.
- Not surprisingly, race figured prominently in the cases in the 1994 study.
- Women's boxing is yet to figure in the Olympics but is gaining ground.
- The Connemara Market at Palayam, a village market-place under a tree and even a modern market figured among the paintings.
- This is a subway stop that just doesn't figure in the mythology of New York.
- How well you handle them will figure in any estimate of your future potential.
- This scandal has even figured in the American presidential election.
- But pressure is integral to F1 and fear has failed to figure in the careers of either driver.
- Although they will not get all that they want, there were signs last night that the issue will figure in the summit's final action plan.
- Political parties have always figured prominently in Congress since the earliest days of the American Republic.
- Scarborough will have the same squad on duty at Rushden tomorrow as the one that figured in the 1-0 defeat of Altrincham on Wednesday.
- It feels as if Haentjens has things to say about Plath that don't figure in this novel.
- Now, however, imagine her rescue figuring on the nightly analysis slot of some channel.
Synonyms feature, appear, be featured, be mentioned, be referred to - 1.1 (of a person) play a significant role in a situation or event.
he figured largely in opposition to the bill Example sentencesExamples - In the middle and long distance events Sligo athletes figured prominently in almost every distance from 300 metres to 3,000 metres.
- These girls were expected to be a force in this competition, but they will need to up their game if they are going to figure in the final shake down.
- Teenager James Reveley, son of trainer Keith, and grandson of Mary, can figure in the spotlight at Chester tomorrow.
- Men in York, meanwhile, reach, on average, 75.7 and don't figure in the top 50 at all.
- What he could say for sure, as of last Wednesday, was that Barry Ferguson would not figure in a summer deal to free up cash.
- Garciaparra may ultimately figure in a comeback story destined for Hollywood.
- Designers drool over her body and she routinely figures on International Best Dressed lists.
- The country's former king is likely to figure in any such equation.
- An exemplary soldier, freedom fighter, potter or weaver could also figure in the list.
- The Clydesdale all-rounder has yet to figure in the plans of new coach Peter Drinnen.
- Although race walking is his forte, he has figured in this event a number of times and finished third three years ago in a time of 20:20.
- Constable is one of the few major artists to figure in Bermingham's narrative.
- Although he is unlikely to figure in the first team this season, Smith will be looking to impress Francis and secure his future at the club.
- Of the two former Celtic managers Jansen, currently director of scouting at Feyenoord, may figure in the search again.
- If Craig Gordon wants to figure in the Scottish squad with long-term confidence it looks like he will have to move to an Old Firm club.
- A more familiar name to Yankee fans and foes who may figure in their bullpen plans is lefty Randy Choate.
- Chris Burgess, a dog in his two years at Duke, is eligible and will figure in the mix.
- Half-back Mark Dooley will figure in Sunday's trip to Doncaster Dragons after teaming up with the Wasps this week.
- Scott McGarrahan will figure in the mix once he is re-signed after cap room is cleared.
- One of them, Argentinian striker Gustavo Fuentes, may even figure in the squad to face Rangers this evening.
- 1.2 (of a fictional character) play a part in a novel, play, or movie.
the four characters who figure in Ridley's play Example sentencesExamples - Isolated characters figure in two of the most interesting of the several Asian films.
2North American with object Calculate or work out (an amount or value) arithmetically. Example sentencesExamples - You won't even have to rack your brains over calculating taxes since they've already figured it out for you on the menu.
- The change in tree cover over time was figured by comparing Landsat TM satellite images from 1985 and 2001.
- I figure that a bodybuilder has to eat at least six times a day to grow, which is 42 meals a week.
Synonyms calculate, work out, total, sum, reckon, compute, enumerate, determine, evaluate, quantify, assess, count, add up, put a figure on, tally, totalize, gauge 3North American informal with clause Think, consider, or expect to be the case. with object for years, teachers had figured him for a dullard I figure that wearing a suit makes you look like a bank clerk Example sentencesExamples - By the time he got downstairs it had stopped ringing but he figured the person might still be there.
- Wiley figured the water level must have risen from all the rain they had received the day before.
- I figure that if I stand around and look helpless, someone will at least offer to buy me a drink.
- From the sound of his voice I figured the person who walked in was young.
- I figured people might be getting bored of reading about me all the time
- I stood up, walked around, drank some water and figured it was just a passing phase.
- Investors figure that the purchaser will pay a high price for the company.
- I figured people would be asking that question, but what you see in the movie is kind of our take on that.
- There were actually a lot of people outside, which was weird since it was a Saturday and I figured people were tired.
- I figured the radical transformation of the world's energy supply would be of personal interest to them.
- I'd done it a few times, but figured the money wasn't really worth it.
- I figured this idea could make me a millionaire, but it looks like someone beat me to it.
- They figured most people would go there at one point.
- It's not exactly revelatory information, but I figured someone out there might find it useful.
- Sighing heavily, Joan figured this conversation had gone on long enough.
- They figure that the more control they have over applications, the more they'll be able to charge.
- But I figured the only people who were reading my blog when I wrote these were Maccers and Snowy, so I might get away with it.
- Miriam left for school an hour early because she figured the peace protesters would make it hard to get to class.
- I figured this last revelation would give him something to think about, but he barely flinched.
- He figured this person would make an excellent singer.
Synonyms suppose, think, believe, fancy, consider, expect, take it, suspect, have a sneaking suspicion, sense - 3.1 (of a recent event or newly discovered fact) be logical and unsurprising.
well, she supposed that figured Example sentencesExamples - That figured and didn't surprise him, though he wished Harry would just have a normal conversation instead of locking him in a room.
- Sure, that figures, if you're going to drive with that kind of load at high speed you're bound to damage something.
- It would figure that this great hog, this glorified genre gourmand, would want more.
- Given the turmoil in the auction world, it figures that the firm would be looking for new, larger quarters.
Synonyms make sense, be understandable, seem reasonable, stand to reason, be to be expected, be logical, follow, add up, stand up, hold up
4with object Represent (something) in a diagram or picture. varieties of this Cape genus are figured from drawings made there Example sentencesExamples - However, the mutual acknowledgement of the other only occurs when their death is figured as inevitable.
- An adopted daughter, who would not be represented in the tree that is figured, would nevertheless form part of the unit.
- Losing oneself in the movie is not figured as pleasurable, but sets up, rather, a mode of helplessness in the face of an opaque and fragmented story line.
- There is something very odd about the way the revolution is figured, and the oddness goes beyond the closing scene.
- 4.1usually as adjective figured Embellish (something) with a pattern.
the floors were covered with figured linoleum Example sentencesExamples - Reflecting the changing styles, the single-cutaway guitar featured a flat, figured maple top.
- It has superbly figured timber, a majestic curvaceous profile and spectacular mounts that echo in gilt-bronze the carved detail on the jewel cabinet.
- The shapes are highly varied - cylinders, prisms, animals - and the designs range from abstract patterns to figured images of people and animals.
Origin Middle English (in the senses ‘distinctive shape of a person or thing’, ‘representation of something material or immaterial’, and ‘numerical symbol’, among others): from Old French figure (noun), figurer (verb), from Latin figura ‘shape, figure, form’; related to fingere ‘form, contrive’. |