figure out

Meaning(s)

1. solve, or understand someone/something

Popularity

High

Professional

High

Social

Check Icon How to Memorize

figure out the problem

Check Icon Analysis

To 'figure out' something means to have a realisation or to solve or finally understand something. This is a casual phrase used often in everyday speech. If you say to someone 'I will figure it out' it means you intend to understand by yourself how to do something or how it works. If you 'can't figure something out' it means you can't understand it. This can be used in various situations from talking about 'figuring out' match homework or trying to 'figure out' why the person you are attracted to hasn't asked you on a date yet.

Check Icon Social Examples (Basic)

  1. A lot of people don't get what makes Gary tick, but I think I have him figured out. He's motivated by challenges rather than money.
  2. The most annoying part of my day is figuring out what to have for dinner. I can never decide!

Check Icon Professional Examples (Basic)

  1. We've identified what the problem with the process is, now we just need to figure out a way of fixing it.
  2. I can't figure out how to respond to these metrics. Perhaps we can come together and share a few ideas.

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