Phrasal verb
figure out
Meanings
to understand something or find the answer by thinking
to solve a problem or find a way to do something
to discover information or learn the truth about something
Definition
To figure out something means to understand it or find an answer by thinking.
To figure out means to understand something, solve a problem, or discover the answer after thinking or trying. You can figure out an idea, a plan, a puzzle, or how something works. It often suggests the answer is not immediately obvious and takes some effort.
Examples
- I can’t figure out why my phone won’t connect to the Wi‑Fi.
- Can you figure out the best route to the museum from here?
- He finally figured out how to use the new espresso machine.
- She figured out that the meeting was moved to the afternoon.
- They figured out a workaround when the app kept crashing.
Common mistake
Learners often say "figure out about" (wrong); use "figure out" directly, as in "I figured out the problem."
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.