English · Common Verbs
figure out
/ˈfɪɡ.ər aʊt/
[/ˈfɪɡ.ər aʊt/]
understand; solve
Intermediateverb
Definition
To understand or solve something after thinking about it.
Example
We finally figured out why the printer kept jamming after checking the paper tray carefully.
We finally figured out why the printer kept jamming after checking the paper tray carefully.
Etymology
From 'figure' (to calculate) plus 'out', an Americanism that spread widely in the 20th century.
How & Where It’s Used
Informal and conversational, especially common in American English for reasoning through problems.