Figure out
2 meanings · select one to explore
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Meaning 1 of 3
Definition
To understand or solve something (a problem, fact, or person) through thought
Example sentence
It took me a while to figure out the instructions.
Real video usage
Three clips showing this meaning in natural speech.
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Common collocations
Natural word pairings to memorize.
Common pattern: figure out + problem/person (noun)
figure out a problem
figure out the answer
figure someone out
can't figure her out
Separable usage
Can the object split the verb? Compare correct vs incorrect.
They finally figured him out after years of confusion. ✅ (Correct — often separated with a pronoun object)
They finally figured out him after years of confusion. ❌ (Incorrect — pronoun objects must go between the verb and particle)