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figure

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noun British English pronunciation: figure /ˈfɪɡə(r)/ 
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singularfigure
pluralfigures
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  1. 1
    [countable] [often plural] an official number that has been counted or calculated

    Government figures show a continued decline in unemployment.

    This year's sales figures were excellent.

    The final inflation figure was 6.5% for the year.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of figure
    1. a.
      British a number

      She sat and stared at the figures on the page.

      single/double figures (=a number above/below 10):

      Inflation has reached double figures for the first time in 15 years.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of figure
    2. b.
      an amount of money

      What kind of figure are we looking at for this project?

      put a figure on something:

      It's difficult to put an exact figure on the rebuilding work.

      three/four/five/six figures:

      The chairman's bonus payment could well reach six figures this year.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of figure
    3. c.

      figures

       [plural] calculations that you do using numbers
      have a good head for figures:

      I've never had a good head for figures.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of figure
  2. 2
    [countable] someone who is important in some way
    a prominent/key/leading figure:

    She was the dominant figure in British politics in the 1980s.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of figure
  3. 3
    [countable] the shape of the body of someone you do not know

    A small figure appeared in the doorway.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of figure
    1. a.
      a picture or model of someone

      There are three figures in the foreground.

      a stone figure of a man

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of figure
    2. b.
      the shape of a woman's body, for example whether she is fat or thin

      How to achieve the perfect figure without dieting.

      Now in her fifties, she still has a fabulous figure.

      keep your figure (=stay thin):

      After a certain age, you have to work hard to keep your figure.

      watch your figure (=be careful about what you eat so that you do not become fat):

      No cake for me, thanks, I have to watch my figure.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of figure
  5. 5
    [countable] a drawing in a book that gives information

    Figure 8 illustrates changing patterns of employment over the years.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of figure
See also

This is the British English definition of figure. View American English definition of figure.

Change your default dictionary and thesaurus to American English.

View the pronunciation for figure.

 

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