Phrasal verb
figure out
To figure out something means to understand it or find an answer by thinking.
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 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.