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 can't figure out why he keeps lying.”
Memory hook
The shape of the answer comes out clearly once you figure it out.
Common mistake
I can't figure out how does it work.
I can't figure out how it works.
After figure out, use statement word order, not question order.
Natural collocations
The word partners “figure out” most often appears with — learn the phrase, not just the verb.
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.
bear out
Same out pattern: becoming clear
Provide evidence that confirms what someone has said
break out
Same out pattern: becoming clear
(of war, fire or disease) Start suddenly; Escape from a locked or guarded place
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
call out
Same out pattern: becoming clear
Shout something loudly or summon services
check out
Same out pattern: becoming clear
Leave a hotel after paying; Look at or examine
come out
Same out pattern: becoming clear
Be revealed publicly
dig out
Same out pattern: becoming clear
Find something by searching through other things
do out
Same out pattern: becoming clear
Decorate or furnish a room in a particular style
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- Spaced repetition (SM-2) brings each meaning back right before you forget.
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