Reading Theme:
Figure: Definitions, Usage & Key Differences (3 meaning)
Meaning 1：number (figure)
figure
/ˈfɪɡjər/
n.
A number, especially one that represents an amount or a statistic used in calculations or reports.
number
➕
/ˈnʌmbər/
n.
A specific numerical value, often used to represent an amount, statistic, or data point in contexts like finance, research, or commerce.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'figura', meaning shape or form.
💡 Mnemonic
Think of a 'figure' as the final 'figure' or shape that data or a person takes.
📖 Example
I was shocked when I saw figure on the price tag for that new phone.
I was shocked when I saw the number on the price tag for that new phone.
🔗 Collocations
sales figures – Data showing the amount of products or services sold
exact figure – A precise numerical value
round figure – A number expressed conveniently to the nearest whole unit, like ten or hundred
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
estimate (n.) – An approximate calculation or judgment of the value, number, quantity, or extent of something.
🌱 Derivatives
figurative (adj.) – Departing from a literal use of words; metaphorical.
📖 Cultural Story
In modern finance and media, 'figure' is a staple term for referencing key numbers like sales figures, unemployment figures, or population figures in reports and news headlines, grounding abstract data in tangible forms.
Meaning 2：prominent person (figure)
figure
/ˈfɪɡjər/
n.
A person of a particular kind, especially a well-known or important one.
prominent person
➕
/ˈprɑːmɪnənt ˈpɜːrsn/
n.
A person, especially one who is well-known, important, or influential within a particular field or context.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Marie Curie is a towering figure in the history of science.
Marie Curie is a towering prominent person in the history of science.
🔗 Collocations
public figure – A person who is well-known and often appears in the media
historical figure – A person from the past who played a significant role in history
key figure – A person who is central or crucial to an event, organization, or movement
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
nobody (n.) – A person of no importance or influence.
Meaning 3：body shape (figure)
figure
/ˈfɪɡjər/
n.
The shape of a person's body, especially when it is considered attractive.
body shape
➕
/ˈbɑːdi ʃeɪp/
n.
The distinctive form or outline of a human body, often referring to its proportions and overall appearance.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
She started jogging every morning to maintain her figure.
She started jogging every morning to maintain her body shape.
🔗 Collocations
hourglass figure – A body shape characterized by a narrow waist and broader hips and bust
slender figure – A thin and gracefully shaped body
keep one's figure – To maintain one's body shape, typically through diet and exercise
🔄 Synonyms
physique (n.) – The form, size, and development of a person's body.
build (n.) – The physical structure or shape of a person's body.
silhouette (n.) – The dark shape and outline of someone or something visible against a lighter background.
🌱 Derivatives
figurine (n.) – A small molded or sculptured figure; a statuette.
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