Figure - English meaning

noun

A quantity of something, especially the total of a thing or things in number, size, value, or extent.

Usage examples:

Sport gives an enormous amount of pleasure to many people

verb

Come to be (the total) when added together.

Usage examples:

Losses amounted to over 10 million pounds

noun

The degree to which something is a lot or a little; how much something is

Usage examples:

She’s made a tremendous amount of progress since the accident., he liked to carry a large amount of…

verb

Come into sight; become visible or noticeable, especially without apparent cause.

Usage examples:

Smoke appeared on the horizon

verb

To become noticeable or to be present

Usage examples:

At this point the ferry boat suddenly appeared., her picture appeared on the front page of the news…

verb

To start to be seen or to be present

Usage examples:

He suddenly appeared in the doorway., we'd been in the house a month when dark stains started appea…

verb

Evaluate or estimate the nature, ability, or quality of.

Usage examples:

The committee must assess the relative importance of the issues

verb

Estimate the nature, quality, ability or significance of

verb

To decide the quality or importance of something

Usage examples:

A college is going to assess a student’s ability based on grades., government officials assessed th…

verb

Suppose to be the case, without proof.

Usage examples:

Topics which assume detailed knowledge of local events

verb

To accept something to be true without question or proof

Usage examples:

We mustn't assume the suspects' guilt., [ + (that) ] i assumed (that) you knew each other because y…

verb

To pretend to have a different name or be someone you are not, or to express a feeling falsely

Usage examples:

Moving to a different town, he assumed a false name., he assumed a look of indifference but i knew …

idiom

To be absent when you should be present, in a way that other people notice

Usage examples:

Why wasn't stephen at the meeting? he was conspicuous by his absence.

verb

Accept that (something) is true, especially without proof.

Usage examples:

The superintendent believed lancaster's story

verb

To think that something is true or correct

Usage examples:

[ t ] one juror said he didn’t believe the policeman’s testimony., [ + (that) clause ] she believed…

verb

To think that something is true, correct, or real

Usage examples:

Strangely, no one believed us when we told them we'd been visited by a creature from mars., [ + tha…

noun

A body.

Usage examples:

A line-up of stunning bods

abbreviation

Biochemical oxygen demand.

noun

Informal for body

Usage examples:

That guy has a great bod!, he's just an ordinary bod, no-one special., odd bod she's a bit of an od…

noun

The physical structure, including the bones, flesh, and organs, of a person or an animal.

Usage examples:

It's important to keep your body in good condition

verb

Give material form to something abstract.

Usage examples:

He bodied forth the traditional prussian remedy for all ills

noun

The whole physical structure that forms a person or animal

Usage examples:

A good diet and plenty of exercise will help you to keep your body healthy., she rubbed suncream ov…

verb

Construct (something) by putting parts or material together.

Usage examples:

The ironworks were built in 1736

noun

The proportions of a person's or animal's body.

Usage examples:

She was of medium height and slim build

verb

To make something by putting bricks or other materials together

Usage examples:

Build a house they're building new houses by the river., the birds built their nest in the tree., b…

verb

Determine (the amount or number of something) mathematically.

Usage examples:

The program can calculate the number of words that will fit in the space available

verb

Make a mathematical computation

verb

To judge the number or amount of something by using the information that you already have, and adding, taking away, multiplying, or dividing numbers

Usage examples:

The cost of the damage caused by the recent storms has been calculated as/at over £5 million., the …

verb

Cause (light or shadow) to appear on a surface.

Usage examples:

The moon cast a pale light over the cottages

noun

Throw the hooked and baited end of (a fishing line) out into the water.

verb

The actors taking part in a play, film, or other production.

Usage examples:

He draws sensitive performances from his inexperienced cast

noun

The mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual.

Usage examples:

Running away was not in keeping with her character

verb

Inscribe or write (something).

Usage examples:

You have well charactered him

noun

The particular combination of things about a person or place, esp. things you cannot see, that make that person or place different from others

Usage examples:

[ c ] the idea was to modernize the house without changing its homey character., [ u ] it’s a theat…

noun

The base frame of a car, carriage, or other wheeled vehicle.

Usage examples:

Indeed, the chassis and the wheel axle were specially designed to withstand such speed.

noun

The frame of a vehicle, including the wheels and engine, which supports the upper, covering part

noun

The frame of a vehicle, usually including the wheels and engine, onto which the metal covering is fixed

Usage examples:

The car's lightweight chassis is made from aluminium sheets.

verb

Reckon or calculate (a figure or amount).

Usage examples:

The hire charge is computed on a daily basis

verb

Make a mathematical calculation

verb

To calculate something using mathematics or a calculator (= a device for doing mathematical processes)

verb

Bring or come to an end.

Usage examples:

They conclude their study with these words

verb

To cause something to end, or to end

Usage examples:

[ t ] she concluded her remarks by thanking her supporters., [ i ] i’d like to conclude with a song…

verb

To have a particular opinion about something after thinking carefully about it

Usage examples:

Conclude that analysts concluded that borrowing costs were at or very near their peak., the study c…

verb

Think carefully about (something), typically before making a decision.

Usage examples:

Each application is considered on its merits

verb

To think about a particular subject or thing or about doing something or about whether to do something

Usage examples:

Consider clara barton, who founded the american red cross., we considered moving to california, but…

verb

To spend time thinking about a possibility or making a decision

Usage examples:

Don't make any decisions before you've considered the situation., [ + question word ] have you cons…

verb

Determine the total number of (a collection of items).

Usage examples:

I started to count the stars i could see

noun

An act of determining the total number of something.

Usage examples:

At the last count, fifteen applications were still outstanding

noun

A foreign nobleman whose rank corresponds to that of an earl.

Usage examples:

He is now a prisoner in a tower of the count's palace

noun

Facts and statistics collected together for reference or analysis.

Usage examples:

There is very little data available

noun

A piece of information.

Usage examples:

The fact is a datum worth taking into account

noun

Information, especially facts or numbers, collected to be examined and considered and used to help decision-making, or information in an electronic form that can be stored and used by a computer

Usage examples:

The data was/were collected by various researchers., now the data is/are being transferred from mag…

verb

Arrive at (a fact or a conclusion) by reasoning; draw as a logical conclusion.

Usage examples:

Little can be safely deduced from these figures

verb

To reach an answer by thinking about a general truth and its relationship to a specific situation

Usage examples:

[ + question word ] in an attempt to deduce what happened to the jet, investigators are looking at …

verb

To reach an answer or a decision by thinking carefully about the known facts

Usage examples:

Deduce something from something we cannot deduce very much from these figures., [ + that ] the poli…

noun

The action of depicting something, especially in a work of art.

Usage examples:

The painting's horrific depiction of war

noun

The way that something is represented or shown

Usage examples:

The painter's depictions of the horror of war won her a worldwide reputation., i disapprove of the …

noun

The way that something is represented or shown, or something that represents or shows something

Usage examples:

Depiction of the painter's depictions of the horror of war won her a worldwide reputation., i disap…

noun

A plan or drawing produced to show the look and function or workings of a building, garment, or other object before it is made.

Usage examples:

He has just unveiled his design for the new museum

verb

Decide upon the look and functioning of (a building, garment, or other object), by making a detailed drawing of it.

Usage examples:

A number of architectural students were designing a factory

verb

The act of working out the form of something

verb

Cause (something) to occur in a particular way or to have a particular nature.

Usage examples:

It will be her mental attitude that determines her future

verb

Find out or learn with certainty, as by making an inquiry

verb

To control or influence directly; to decide

Usage examples:

[ t ] we should be allowed to determine our own future., [ t ] eye color is genetically determined.…

noun

A thing made or adapted for a particular purpose, especially a piece of mechanical or electronic equipment.

Usage examples:

A measuring device

noun

An object or machine that has been invented to fulfill a particular purpose

Usage examples:

A handheld device, a safety device, electronic/mechanical devices, he invented a device for measuri…

noun

An object or machine which has been invented for a particular purpose

Usage examples:

Biotech and medical devices, you should not use any personal electronic device, such as a cell phon…

noun

A tangible or visible form of an idea, quality, or feeling.

Usage examples:

She seemed to be a living embodiment of vitality

noun

Someone or something that represents a quality or an idea exactly

Usage examples:

He was the embodiment of the english gentleman., she was portrayed in the papers as the embodiment …

verb

Mention (a number of things) one by one.

Usage examples:

There is not space to enumerate all his works

verb

To name things separately, one by one

Usage examples:

The salesman enumerated the features of the car.

noun

A person or thing that is a perfect example of a particular quality or type.

Usage examples:

She looked the epitome of elegance and good taste

noun

The typical or highest example of a stated quality, as shown by a particular person or thing

Usage examples:

He was the epitome of the fashionable gentleman., his recordings came to epitomize american popular…

verb

Form an idea of the amount, number, or value of; assess.

Usage examples:

The study will assist in evaluating the impact of recent changes

Estimate the nature, quality, ability or significance of

verb

To judge or calculate the quality, importance, amount, or value of something

Usage examples:

Doctors evaluate the patient’s condition., [ + question word ] have they evaluated what their next …

noun

A person or thing serving as a typical example or appropriate model.

Usage examples:

The place is an exemplar of multicultural britain

noun

A typical or good example of something

Usage examples:

Exemplar of it is an exemplar of a house of the period., i’ve never regarded myself as an exemplar …

noun

An example of something, or the act of giving an example of something

Usage examples:

We include discussion and exemplification of various rhythmic styles., the exemplifications are wha…

verb

Regard (something) as likely to happen.

Usage examples:

It's as well to expect the worst

verb

To think or believe that something will happen, or that someone will arrive

Usage examples:

[ t ] we are expecting about 100 people for the lecture., [ t ] his plane is expected to land at ab…

verb

To think or believe something will happen, or someone will arrive

Usage examples:

We are expecting a lot of applicants for the job., i expect (that) you'll find it somewhere in your…

adjective

Elaborate in structure or decoration.

Usage examples:

The furniture was very fancy

verb

Feel a desire or liking for.

Usage examples:

Do you fancy a drink?

noun

A superficial or transient feeling of liking or attraction.

Usage examples:

This was no passing fancy, but a feeling he would live by

noun

A distinctive attribute or aspect of something.

Usage examples:

A well-appointed house with interesting decorative features

verb

Have as a prominent attribute or aspect.

Usage examples:

The hotel features a large lounge, a sauna, and a coin-operated solarium

noun

A noticeable or important characteristic or part

Usage examples:

This car has excellent safety features., she has fine, delicate features (= parts of the face)., th…

noun

The visible shape or configuration of something.

Usage examples:

The form, colour, and texture of the tree

verb

Variant spelling of forme.

combining form

Having the form of.

Usage examples:

Cruciform

noun

A rigid structure that surrounds something such as a picture, door, or windowpane.

Usage examples:

His mother stood in the frame of the kitchen door, hands on her hips and a grim expression on her f…

verb

Place (a picture or photograph) in a frame.

Usage examples:

He had had the photo framed

noun

A set of criteria or stated values in relation to which measurements or judgements can be made.

Usage examples:

The observer interprets what he sees in terms of his own cultural frame of reference

verb

Come together; assemble or accumulate.

Usage examples:

As soon as a crowd gathered, the police came

noun

A part of a garment that is gathered.

Usage examples:

This can be accomplished at side seams, the center back seam, gathers, pleats, darts or a combinati…

verb

Assemble or get together

noun

An instrument that measures and gives a visual display of the amount, level, or contents of something.

Usage examples:

A fuel gauge

verb

The position of a sailing ship to windward ( the weather gage ) or leeward ( the lee gage ) of another.

Usage examples:

The french fleet was heavily outnumbered but had the weather gage

verb

To calculate an amount, especially by using a measuring device

Usage examples:

Use a thermometer to gauge the temperature., i tried to gauge (= guess) the weight of the box.

verb

Obtain (information) from various sources, often with difficulty.

Usage examples:

The information is gleaned from press cuttings

verb

To collect information in small amounts and often with difficulty

Usage examples:

From what i was able to glean, the news isn't good., glean something (from someone) they're leaving…

adjective

Single; separate.

Usage examples:

Individual tiny flowers

noun

A single human being as distinct from a group.

Usage examples:

Boat trips for parties and individuals

noun

A single person or thing, esp. when compared to the group or set to which it belongs

Usage examples:

We will remember him as an individual who always tried to make people happy., every company has its…

verb

Deduce or conclude (something) from evidence and reasoning rather than from explicit statements.

Usage examples:

From these facts we can infer that crime has been increasing

verb

To reach an opinion from available information or facts

Usage examples:

[ + that clause ] he inferred that she was not interested in a relationship from what she said in h…

verb

To form an opinion or guess that something is true because of the information that you have

Usage examples:

Infer something from something what do you infer from her refusal?, [ + that ] i inferred from her …

noun

Facts provided or learned about something or someone.

Usage examples:

A vital piece of information

noun

News, facts, or knowledge

Usage examples:

An important piece of information, can you give us some information on tours to alaska?, informatio…

noun

Facts or details about a person, company, product, etc.

Usage examples:

Gather/get/obtain information can you tell me where i can obtain further information?, ask for/requ…

noun

A number which is not a fraction; a whole number.

Usage examples:

Integer values

noun

A whole number and not a fraction

Usage examples:

The numbers 5, 3, and 0 are integers.

noun

A horizontal plane or line with respect to the distance above or below a given point.

Usage examples:

The front garden is on a level with this floor

adjective

Having a flat, horizontal surface.

Usage examples:

We had reached level ground

verb

Give a flat and even surface to.

Usage examples:

Contractors started levelling the ground for the new power station

noun

An adult male human being.

Usage examples:

A tall man with a beard

verb

(of personnel) work at, run, or operate (a place or piece of equipment) or defend (a fortification).

Usage examples:

The helpline is manned by trained staff

exclamation

Used, irrespective of the sex of the person addressed, to express surprise, admiration, delight, etc., or for emphasis.

Usage examples:

Wow, like cosmic, man

noun

A decorative image or design, especially a repeated one forming a pattern.

Usage examples:

The colourful hand-painted motifs which adorn narrowboats

noun

An arithmetical value, expressed by a word, symbol, or figure, representing a particular quantity and used in counting and making calculations.

Usage examples:

Think of a number from one to ten and multiply it by three

verb

Amount to (a specified figure or quantity); comprise.

Usage examples:

The demonstrators numbered more than 5,000

noun

A unit or its symbol that forms part of a system of counting and calculating, and that represents an amount or position in a series

Usage examples:

You can write numbers in words, such as six, seven, and eight, or with symbols, such as 6, 7, and 8…

verb

Take part in an action or endeavour.

Usage examples:

Thousands participated in a nationwide strike

Be involved in

verb

To be or become involved in an activity

Usage examples:

The teacher tries to get everyone to participate in the classroom discussion., participation in the…

noun

A detail.

Usage examples:

He is wrong in every particular

adjective

Used to single out an individual member of a specified group or class.

Usage examples:

The action seems to discriminate against a particular group of companies

adjective

Especially great or intense.

Usage examples:

When handling or checking cash the cashier should exercise particular care

noun

A repeated decorative design.

Usage examples:

A neat blue herringbone pattern

verb

Decorate with a repeated design.

Usage examples:

He was sitting on a soft carpet patterned in rich colours

noun

A particular way in which something is done or organized, or in which something happens

Usage examples:

Our weather pattern comes from the northwest., a whole variety of behavior patterns affect infants.…

noun

A human being regarded as an individual.

Usage examples:

The porter was the last person to see her prior to her disappearance

combining form

Used as a neutral alternative to -man in nouns denoting professional status, a position of authority, etc.

Usage examples:

Chairperson

noun

A man, woman, or child

Usage examples:

Neil armstrong was the first person to set foot on the moon., the auditorium can seat about 500 peo…

noun

A person (used to express importance or elevated status).

Usage examples:

It was no less a personage than the bishop

noun

The combination of characteristics or qualities that form an individual's distinctive character.

Usage examples:

She had a sunny personality that was very engaging

noun

The special combination of qualities in a person that makes that person different from others, as shown by the way the person behaves, feels, and thinks

Usage examples:

[ c ] she has a cheerful, attractive personality., [ u ] personality is formed at a very early age.…

noun

The type of person you are, which is shown by the way you behave, feel, and think

Usage examples:

He has a dynamic personality, makes excellent decisions, and is a true leader., the real issue is a…

noun

The attribution of a personal nature or human characteristics to something non-human, or the representation of an abstract quality in human form.

Usage examples:

The book provides a sustained account of how literary personification works

noun

The description of an object or an idea as if it had human characteristics

Usage examples:

They paid tribute to the artist as "the personification of excellence."

noun

The form, size, and development of a person's body.

Usage examples:

A sturdy, muscular physique

noun

The appearance, esp. shape and size, of a human body

Usage examples:

A small/large physique, a dancer’s physique

verb

To spend time doing something enjoyable or amusing

Usage examples:

The children spent the afternoon playing., [ t ] he loves playing football., [ i ] what team does s…

verb

To have money, time, etc. available to use

Usage examples:

Swelling tax receipts have given the government more money to play with over the last two years., w…

verb

To spend time doing something enjoyable or amusing

Usage examples:

The children spent the afternoon playing., [ t ] he loves playing football., [ i ] what team does s…

verb

To have money, time, etc. available to use

Usage examples:

Swelling tax receipts have given the government more money to play with over the last two years., w…

noun

The state or fact of existing, occurring, or being present.

Usage examples:

My presence in the flat made her happy

verb

Suppose that something is the case on the basis of probability.

Usage examples:

I presumed that the man had been escorted from the building

verb

To believe something to be true because it is likely, although not certain

Usage examples:

[ + (that) clause ] i presume (that) they’re not coming, since they haven’t replied to the invitati…

noun

A part, share, or number considered in comparative relation to a whole.

Usage examples:

The proportion of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is rising

verb

Adjust or regulate (something) so that it has a particular or suitable relationship to something else.

Usage examples:

A life after death in which happiness can be proportioned to virtue

phrase

The size, shape, or level of something

Usage examples:

A building of elegant proportions, i'm not very good at drawing people - i can never get the propor…

phrase

To say what you think the price or value of something is

Usage examples:

The agent has put a price of £720,000 on our house., you can't put a value on friendship (= say wha…

verb

Express or measure the quantity of.

Usage examples:

It is impossible to quantify the extent of the black economy

noun

The amount or number of a material or abstract thing not usually estimated by spatial measurement.

Usage examples:

The quantity and quality of the fruit can be controlled

verb

Establish by calculation.

Usage examples:

His debts were reckoned at £300,000

verb

To calculate an amount based on facts or on your expectations

Usage examples:

Do you reckon this watch has a little value?, [ + that clause ] brusca reckons that the value of al…

verb

To calculate an amount

Usage examples:

Fees are reckoned in euros but can be paid in any currency., the authors reckon that public sector …

noun

The action of speaking or acting on behalf of someone or the state of being so represented.

Usage examples:

You may qualify for free legal representation

noun

People who will speak and act for you in an official situation, or the fact of someone speaking and acting for you

Usage examples:

More american workers are demanding union representation., these employees need legal representatio…

adjective

Typical of a class, group, or body of opinion.

Usage examples:

Churchill was not properly representative of influential opinion in britain

noun

A person chosen or appointed to act or speak for another or others.

Usage examples:

The duke of gloucester would attend the coronation as the representative of his father, king george v

noun

A member of the us house of representatives; a congressman or congresswoman

Usage examples:

The company has representatives in most european capitals., a good political poll is based on a rep…

noun

A faculty by which the body perceives an external stimulus; one of the faculties of sight, smell, hearing, taste, and touch.

Usage examples:

The bear has a keen sense of smell which enables it to hunt at dusk

verb

Perceive by a sense or senses.

Usage examples:

With the first frost, they could sense a change in the days

verb

The faculty through which the external world is apprehended

noun

The external form, contours, or outline of someone or something.

Usage examples:

She liked the shape of his nose

verb

Give a particular shape or form to.

Usage examples:

Most caves are shaped by the flow of water through limestone

abbreviation

Supreme headquarters allied powers europe.

noun

A fixed luminous point in the night sky which is a large, remote incandescent body like the sun.

Usage examples:

This new heat supply causes the outer layers of the star to expand and cool, and the star becomes a…

verb

(of a film, play, or other show) have (someone) as a principal performer.

Usage examples:

A film starring liza minnelli

noun

A fact or piece of data obtained from a study of a large quantity of numerical data.

Usage examples:

The statistics show that the crime rate has increased

adjective

Another term for statistical.

noun

A single number in a range of statistics

Usage examples:

The city’s most shocking statistic is its infant mortality rate.

noun

A person's natural height.

Usage examples:

A man of short stature

noun

A particular amount of money.

Usage examples:

They could not afford such a sum

verb

Find the sum of (two or more amounts).

Usage examples:

If we sum these equations we obtain x

verb

Think or assume that something is true or probable but lack proof or certain knowledge.

Usage examples:

I suppose i got there about noon

verb

To expect or believe

Usage examples:

[ i ] "will you be going with them?" "yes, i suppose (so).", [ + (that) clause ] "you don’t suppose…

verb

To think that something is likely to be true

Usage examples:

[ + (that) ] dan didn't answer his phone, so i suppose (that) he's busy., he found it a lot more di…

verb

Have an idea or impression of the existence, presence, or truth of (something) without certain proof.

Usage examples:

If you suspect a gas leak, do not turn on an electric light

noun

A person thought to be guilty of a crime or offence.

Usage examples:

The police have arrested a suspect

adjective

Not to be relied on or trusted; possibly dangerous or false.

Usage examples:

A suspect package was found on the platform

noun

A mark or character used as a conventional representation of an object, function, or process, e.g. the letter or letters standing for a chemical element or a character in musical notation.

Usage examples:

The symbol r in figure 5 represents a gene which is ineffective

verb

Symbolize.

Usage examples:

The first was symbol of the atonement the 2nd was to symbol the carrying away of sins.

phrase

Assume.

Usage examples:

I take it that someone is coming to meet you

phrasal verb

To completely understand the meaning or importance of something

Usage examples:

I had to read the letter twice before i could take it all in., his aunt took him in when he first c…

phrasal verb

To include something

Usage examples:

A comprehensive carbon tax that took in other fuels, such as coal, would be much greener than just …

idiom

To accept that something is true without making sure that it is

Usage examples:

I just took it as read that anyone who applied for the course would have the necessary qualificatio…

noun

A current score or amount.

Usage examples:

That takes his tally to 10 goals in 10 games

verb

Agree or correspond.

Usage examples:

Their signatures should tally with their names on the register

noun

A record or count of a number of items

Usage examples:

The final tally was 21 for and 16 against., [ t ] i need to finish tallying the receipts., [ i ] hi…

verb

Have a particular opinion, belief, or idea about someone or something.

Usage examples:

She thought that nothing would be the same again

noun

An act of thinking.

Usage examples:

I went for a walk to have a think

Judge or regard; look upon; judge

noun

The trunk of the human body.

Usage examples:

The royal family are shown with elongated skulls and pear-shaped bodies with skinny torsos and arms…

noun

The main part of the human body without the head, arms, or legs

adjective

Comprising the whole number or amount.

Usage examples:

A total cost of £4,000

noun

The whole number or amount of something.

Usage examples:

He scored a total of thirty-three points

verb

Amount in number to.

Usage examples:

They were left with debts totalling £6,260

verb

Treat (something) as having one character, principle, or application.

Usage examples:

He refused to totalize reality by subsuming it under a single point of view

noun

Firm belief in the reliability, truth, or ability of someone or something.

Usage examples:

Relations have to be built on trust

verb

Believe in the reliability, truth, or ability of.

Usage examples:

I should never have trusted her

verb

To have confidence in something, or to believe in someone

Usage examples:

[ t ] trust me – i would never lie to you., [ t ] i was tested, but i’m not sure i trust the result…

noun

An adult female human being.

Usage examples:

A drawing of a young woman

combining form

In nouns denoting a woman of a specified nationality or origin.

Usage examples:

Englishwoman

noun

An adult female human being

Usage examples:

Our chief of police is a woman, and our mayor is a woman, too., she is an active, elderly woman., m…

collocation

Find the solution to or understand the meaning of

phrasal verb

Plan or devise something in detail.

Usage examples:

We need to work out a seating plan

phrasal verb

Solve a sum or determine an amount by calculation.

Usage examples:

The interest rate is worked out by adding a certain amount to the current base rate