figures

word · lemma: figure

/ˈfɪɡjɝz/
FIG-yurz
/fˈɪɡəz/
FIG-uhz

Definition

Plural of 'figure'. It commonly means numbers or statistics, shapes or drawings, or important people in a particular field or story.

Usage & Nuances

Very context-dependent. In business or news, 'figures' usually means statistics or financial numbers; in art or geometry, it means shapes or drawn forms; with people, it often appears in phrases like 'public figures' or 'historical figures'. Learners may confuse it with 'numbers', but 'figures' often sounds more formal or specific.

Example Sentences

The sales figures are higher this month.

basic

These days, even minor online creators can become public figures overnight.

natural

The book has simple figures for children to color.

basic

We studied famous historical figures in class.

basic

I want to check the figures again before we send the report.

natural

The latest unemployment figures don't look good.

natural