Sam
When it’s a noun, figure is often related to numbers, shapes or people. Let’s take a closer look together.
A figure is a number.
Can you check these figures for me, please?
If something is ‘in single figures‘, it’s between 1-9, and if it’s ‘in double figures‘, it’s between 10-99.
It was a great basketball game! Five players scored in double figures.
A figure can be a picture or drawing in a book, often with a number.
Please turn to page 32 in your textbooks and have a look at figure 3.
A figure is also the shape of a person.
It was dark, so I couldn’t see exactly who the two figures were.
And, finally, a figure can be an important or well-known person.
Is there a public figure who you admire?
Figure
As a noun, figure is often related to numbers, shapes or people. Here are some meanings it can have:
1. a number. If something is ‘in single figures‘, it’s between 1-9, and if it’s ‘in double figures‘, it’s between 10-99.
- Can you check these figures for me, please?
- It was a great basketball game! Five players scored in double figures.
2. a picture or drawing in a book, often with a number
- Please turn to page 32 in your textbooks and have a look at figure 3.
- Have a look at figure 8 for details.
3. the shape of a person
- It was dark, so I couldn’t see exactly who the two figures were.
- A dreamed that a mysterious, angelic figure entered my room.
4. an important or well-known person
- Is there a public figure who you admire?
- She is an important literary figure.