figure out

/ˌfɪgjər aʊt/

/ˈfɪgə aʊt/

Other forms: figuring out; figures out

To figure out is to investigate or think something through in order to understand it. You might figure out through a little online sleuthing that your kindergarten teacher moved to Alaska and became a salmon fisherman.

You can figure out the answer to a tricky math problem using a calculator, and you can figure out how old you were when you visited Disney World by looking at photographs and consulting your parents. This informal phrase comes in handy whether you're finding the solution for a big problem or simply puzzling out something small, like when you figure out which kind of treat your dog likes best.

Definitions of figure out

1. verb

   find the solution to (a problem or question) or understand the meaning of
   synonyms: lick, puzzle out, solve, work, work out

   types:

   answer, resolve

   understand the meaning of

   riddle

   explain a riddle

   strike

   arrive at after reckoning, deliberating, and weighing

   guess, infer

   guess correctly; solve by guessing

   answer

   give the correct answer or solution to

   break

   find the solution or key to

   tell

   discern or comprehend

   type of:

   understand

   know and comprehend the nature or meaning of