figure out

To understand something or find an answer by thinking about it.

• I cannot figure out this puzzle.
• We figured out how to fix the bike.
• Have you figured out why she left?

How to use it: figure something out (We finally figured the problem out.); figure out how/why/what… (Can you figure out why the door will not open?); figure out that… (She figured out that the key was missing.)

Similar words: work out, understand, solve

Common phrases: figure out something, figure out why

To find an amount or number by doing a calculation.

• Let us figure out the cost.
• She figured out the total before paying.
• Have you figured out how much tax you owe?

How to use it: figure something out (I figured the total out on my phone.); figure out how much… (We need to figure out how much the repairs will cost.)

Similar words: calculate, work out

Common phrases: figure out costs, figure out the total

To understand something after thinking about it.

• Can you figure out this message?
• He figured out why the room was cold.
• We have finally figured out what she meant.

How to use it: figure something out (I finally figured the instructions out.); figure out that… (He figured out that the message was a joke.); figure out how/why/what… (She figured out how the lock worked.)

Similar words: work out, understand

Common phrases: figure out something, figure out how