figure on


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Related to figure on: figure of speech, Go figure

fig·ure

(fĭg′yər)
n.
1.
a. A written or printed symbol representing something other than a letter, especially a number.
b. figures Mathematical calculations: good at figures.
c. An amount represented in numbers: sold for a large figure.
d. figures One of the digits specified as making up a larger number: a salary in the six figures.
2.
a. Mathematics A geometric form consisting of any combination of points, lines, or planes: A triangle is a plane figure.
b. The outline, form, or silhouette of a thing: saw the figure of a cat in the window.
c. The shape or form of a human body: a fashion model with an attractive figure.
d. An indistinct object or shape: The figures in the mist turned out to be lampposts.
3. A person, especially a well-known one: a famous historical figure.
4. Impression or appearance made: cut a dashing figure at the reception.
5. A person, animal, or object that symbolizes something.
6. A pictorial or sculptural representation, especially of the human body.
7.
a. A diagram: drew a figure of the office layout.
b. A design or pattern, as in a textile: silk with a paisley figure.
c. An illustration printed from an engraved plate or block.
8.
a. A configuration or distinct group of steps in a dance.
b. A pattern traced by a series of movements, as in ice skating.
9. Music A brief melodic or harmonic unit often constituting the basis of a larger phrase or structure.
10. Logic Any one of the forms that a syllogism can take, given one of the four possible arrangements of the middle term.
v. fig·ured, fig·ur·ing, fig·ures
v. tr.
1. Mathematics To calculate with numbers: figured the sum to be nearly a million.
2. To make a likeness of; depict.
3. To adorn with a design or figures.
4. Music
a. To write a sequence of conventionalized numbers below or above (the bassline) to indicate harmony.
b. To embellish with an ornamental pattern.
5.
a. To conclude, believe, or predict: I never figured that this would happen.
b. To consider or regard: figured them as con artists.
v. intr.
1. Mathematics To calculate; compute.
2.
a. To be or seem important or prominent: a key fact that figures in our understanding of what happened.
b. To be pertinent or involved: His advice barely figured in my decision.
3. Informal To seem reasonable or expected: "I found my keys in the sofa." "Well, that figures, given that you were sitting there last night."
Phrasal Verbs:
figure in
To add in or include, as in making an account: figured in travel expenses when estimating the cost.
figure on Informal
1. To depend on: We figured on your support.
2. To take into consideration; expect: I figured on an hour's delay.
3. To plan: We figure on leaving at noon.
figure out
1. To discover or decide: Let's figure out a way to help.
2. To solve or decipher: Can you figure out this puzzle?
Idiom:
go figure
Used in the imperative to indicate the unexpectedness or absurdity of something.
[Middle English, from Old French, from Latin figūra; see dheigh- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.]
fig′ur·er n.
Synonyms: figure, design, device, motif, pattern
These nouns denote an element or arrangement of elements in a decorative composition: a tapestry with a floral figure; a rug with a geometric design; a brooch with a fanciful and intricate device; a scarf with a heart motif; fabric with a plaid pattern. See Also Synonyms at calculate, form.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

figure on

or

figure upon

vb (intr, preposition)
1. to depend on (support or help)
2. to take into consideration
Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014
ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:

figure

noun
1. Arithmetic calculations.Used in plural:
arithmetic, computation, number (used in plural).
2. The external outline of a thing:
cast, configuration, form, pattern, shape.
3. An element or a component in a decorative composition:
design, device, motif, motive, pattern.
verb
1. To ascertain by mathematics:
calculate, cast, cipher, compute, reckon.
2. Informal. To have an opinion:
believe, consider, deem, hold, opine, think.
Informal: judge.
Idiom: be of the opinion.
phrasal verb
figure on
Informal. To look forward to confidently:
anticipate, await, bargain for (or on), count on, depend on (or upon), expect, look for, wait (for).
phrasal verb
figure out
1. Informal. To find a solution for:
clear up, decipher, explain, resolve, solve, unravel.
Informal: dope out.
Idiom: get to the bottom of.
2. Informal. To arrive at an answer to (a mathematical problem):
solve, work, work out.
The American Heritage® Roget's Thesaurus. Copyright © 2013, 2014 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Translations

w>figure on

vi +prep obj (esp US) → rechnen mit
Collins German Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged 7th Edition 2005. © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1980 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1997, 1999, 2004, 2005, 2007
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