figure out
phrasal verb·2 senses·particle out
Meanings
Understand or solve something by thinking
Why “out”? Something comes into the open. People can see it, know it, or understand it.
“I can't figure out how it works.”
“I can't figure out where the leak is.”
“I can't figure out this puzzle.”
“Can you figure out the total?”
“He figured out how much we owed.”
Come to understand someone's character or motives
“I still can't figure her out.”
“I cannot figure out his motives.”
Test yourself
“I can't figure out how it works.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
act out
Same out pattern: becoming clear
Perform a scene, story, or plan with actions; Express feelings through aggressive or attention-seeking behaviour
bail out
Same out pattern: becoming clear
Rescue someone, especially financially
bear out
Same out pattern: becoming clear
Provide evidence that confirms what someone has said
blast out
Same out pattern: becoming clear
Play music extremely loudly through speakers
break out
Same out pattern: becoming clear
(of war, fire or disease) start suddenly
bring out
Same out pattern: becoming clear
Make a quality or feature more obvious; Publish or launch a new product; Cause a particular response or behaviour in someone; Take something out of a container or place to show it; Encourage a shy person to be more confident
burst out
Same out pattern: becoming clear
Suddenly start crying, laughing or shouting; Say something suddenly and forcefully; Leave a place suddenly and forcefully; (of a sound or song) suddenly begin loudly
call out
Same out pattern: becoming clear
Shout something loudly or summon services
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