Number vs. Figure: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on September 16, 2023
"Number" refers to a mathematical or quantitative representation, while "figure" can denote a numerical symbol, shape, or a person's form.
Difference Between Number and Figure
At a basic level, both number and figure have associations with mathematics. A number refers to an arithmetic value, be it a whole, fraction, or negative. It's a concept used universally to quantify, measure, or order things. On the other hand, figure, when related to math, often indicates a written digit or a specific numeral. For example, "7" is a figure that represents the number seven.
Muazma Batool
Sep 16, 2023
Moving beyond strict arithmetic, figure takes on a variety of meanings that number doesn't encompass. While a number is predominantly quantitative, figure can be qualitative. A figure can denote a geometric shape, like a triangle or circle. In art or literature, "figure" might relate to a character or representation, such as a figure in a painting or a historical figure.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 16, 2023
In colloquial speech, number and figure can sometimes be used interchangeably, especially when discussing amounts of money or percentages. One might say, "The final number was in the six figures," where "figures" refers to the number of digits in the sum. Yet, while they can overlap, each term has its unique facets.
Muazma Batool
Sep 16, 2023
When we examine grammar, both words can be nouns, but number can also function as a verb, meaning to assign a numerical order to something. Figure, in contrast, is more static in its verb form, referring to the act of thinking or contemplating.
Olivia
Sep 16, 2023
Conclusively, while number and figure share domains in mathematics and everyday speech, they have distinct boundaries. Number is predominantly about quantification, and figure has broader applications from digits to shapes to representations.
Lucas
Sep 16, 2023
Number vs. Figure Comparison Chart
Definition
An arithmetic value used to quantify or order.
A numerical symbol, geometric shape, or representation.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 16, 2023
Grammatical Function
Functions as both noun and verb.
Primarily a noun but can also be a verb in specific contexts.
Muazma Batool
Sep 16, 2023
Contextual Usage
Used for counting, measuring, or ordering.
Varies from math to shapes to art representations.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 16, 2023
Interrelation
Can sometimes overlap with figure in colloquial contexts.
Broader in meaning, can refer to numbers, shapes, or entities.
Levi
Sep 16, 2023
Variability
More static in meaning.
Multifaceted, with varied applications across contexts.
Kaitlyn
Sep 16, 2023
Number vs. Figure Definitions
◉Number
An arithmetic value representing quantity.
There's a large number of birds in the sky.
Levi
Sep 16, 2023
◉Figure
A numerical symbol, especially when denoting an amount.
The final figure for the project is $10,000.
William
Sep 16, 2023
◉Figure
A written or printed symbol representing something other than a letter, especially a number.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Number
To assign a numerical order to something.
He numbered the pages of his manuscript.
Elijah
Sep 16, 2023
◉Number
A member of the set of positive integers; one of a series of symbols of unique meaning in a fixed order that can be derived by counting.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Number
A member of any of the following sets of mathematical objects
integers, rational numbers, real numbers, and complex numbers. These sets can be derived from the positive integers through various algebraic and analytic constructions.
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May 03, 2023
◉Figure
figures One of the digits specified as making up a larger number
a salary in the six figures.
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May 03, 2023
◉Figure
(Mathematics) A geometric form consisting of any combination of points, lines, or planes
A triangle is a plane figure.
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May 03, 2023
◉Figure
The outline, form, or silhouette of a thing
saw the figure of a cat in the window.
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May 03, 2023
◉Number
A numeral or a series of numerals used for reference or identification
his telephone number.
the apartment number.
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May 03, 2023
◉Figure
The shape or form of a human body
a fashion model with an attractive figure.
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May 03, 2023
◉Number
A position in an ordered sequence that corresponds to one of the positive integers
the house that is number three from the corner.
ranked number six in her class.
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May 03, 2023
◉Figure
An indistinct object or shape
The figures in the mist turned out to be lampposts.
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May 03, 2023
◉Number
One item in a group or series considered to be in numerical order
an old number of a magazine.
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May 03, 2023
◉Figure
Impression or appearance made
cut a dashing figure at the reception.
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May 03, 2023
◉Number
An indefinite quantity of units or individuals
The crowd was small in number. A number of people complained.
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May 03, 2023
◉Figure
A pictorial or sculptural representation, especially of the human body.
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May 03, 2023
◉Number
(Grammar) The indication, as by inflection, of the singularity, duality, or plurality of a linguistic form.
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May 03, 2023
◉Number
Metrical feet or lines; verses
"These numbers will I tear, and write in prose" (Shakespeare).
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May 03, 2023
◉Figure
(Music) A brief melodic or harmonic unit often constituting the basis of a larger phrase or structure.
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May 03, 2023
◉Figure
(Logic) Any one of the forms that a syllogism can take, given one of the four possible arrangements of the middle term.
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May 03, 2023
◉Number
One of the separate offerings in a program of music or other entertainment
The band's second number was a march.
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May 03, 2023
◉Figure
(Mathematics) To calculate with numbers
figured the sum to be nearly a million.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Number
(Slang) A frequently repeated, characteristic speech, argument, or performance
suspects doing their usual number—protesting innocence.
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May 03, 2023
◉Number
(Slang) A person or thing singled out for a particular characteristic
a crafty number.
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May 03, 2023
◉Number
To assign a number to or mark with a number
Did you number the pages of the report?.
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May 03, 2023
◉Figure
To write a sequence of conventionalized numbers below or above (the bassline) to indicate harmony.
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May 03, 2023
◉Number
To determine the number or amount of; count
Tickets sold for the show were numbered at 500.
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May 03, 2023
◉Number
To total in number or amount; add up to
The ships in the harbor number around 100.
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May 03, 2023
◉Figure
To conclude, believe, or predict
I never figured that this would happen.
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May 03, 2023
◉Figure
To be or seem important or prominent
a key fact that figures in our understanding of what happened.
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May 03, 2023
◉Number
To have as a total; amount to a number
The applicants numbered in the thousands.
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May 03, 2023
◉Figure
To be pertinent or involved
His advice barely figured in my decision.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Number
(countable) An abstract entity used to describe quantity.
Zero, one, −1, 2.5, and pi are all numbers.
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May 03, 2023
◉Figure
(Informal) To seem reasonable or expected
“I found my keys in the sofa.” “Well, that figures, given that you were sitting there last night.”.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Number
(countable) A numeral: a symbol for a non-negative integer.
The number 8 is usually made with a single stroke.
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May 03, 2023
◉Number
An element of one of several sets: natural numbers, integers, rational numbers, real numbers, complex numbers, and sometimes extensions such as hypercomplex numbers, etc.
The equation includes the most important numbers: 1, 0, , , and .
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May 03, 2023
◉Figure
The representation of any form, as by drawing, painting, modelling, carving, embroidering, etc.; especially, a representation of the human body.
a figure in bronze; a figure cut in marble
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Number
(Followed by a numeral; used attributively) Indicating the position of something in a list or sequence. Abbreviations: No or No., no or no. (in each case, sometimes written with a superscript "o", like Nº or №). The symbol "#" is also used in this manner.
Horse number 5 won the race.
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May 03, 2023
◉Number
Quantity.
Any number of people can be reading from a given repository at a time.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Figure
The appearance or impression made by the conduct or career of a person.
He cut a sorry figure standing there in the rain.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Number
A sequence of digits and letters used to register people, automobiles, and various other items.
Her passport number is C01X864TN.
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May 03, 2023
◉Figure
(obsolete) Distinguished appearance; magnificence; conspicuous representation; splendour; show.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Figure
A human figure, which dress or corset must fit to; the shape of a human body.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Number
(grammar) Of a word or phrase, the state of being singular, dual or plural, shown by inflection.
Adjectives and nouns should agree in gender, number, and case.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Number
(countable) A performance; especially, a single song or song and dance routine within a larger show.
For his second number, he sang "The Moon Shines Bright".
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Figure
A visible pattern as in wood or cloth.
The muslin was of a pretty figure.''
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Number
A marijuana cigarette, or joint; also, a quantity of marijuana bought from a dealer.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Number
(dated) An issue of a periodical publication.
the latest number of a magazine
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May 03, 2023
◉Figure
(logic) The form of a syllogism with respect to the relative position of the middle term.
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May 03, 2023
◉Number
A large amount, in contrast to a smaller amount; numerical preponderance.
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May 03, 2023
◉Figure
(astrology) A horoscope; the diagram of the aspects of the astrological houses.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Figure
(music) Any short succession of notes, either as melody or as a group of chords, which produce a single complete and distinct impression.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Number
(transitive) To label (items) with numbers; to assign numbers to (items).
Number the baskets so that we can find them easily.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Figure
(music) A form of melody or accompaniment kept up through a strain or passage; a motif; a florid embellishment.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Number
(intransitive) To total or count; to amount to.
I don’t know how many books are in the library, but they must number in the thousands.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Number
That which admits of being counted or reckoned; a unit, or an aggregate of units; a numerable aggregate or collection of individuals; an assemblage made up of distinct things expressible by figures.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Figure
To come to understand.
I can’t figure if he’s telling the truth or lying.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Number
A collection of many individuals; a numerous assemblage; a multitude; many.
Ladies are always of great use to the party they espouse, and never fail to win over numbers.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Number
A numeral; a word or character denoting a number; as, to put a number on a door.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Figure
To be reasonable.
It figures that somebody like him would be upset about the situation.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Number
Numerousness; multitude.
Number itself importeth not much in armies where the people are of weak courage.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Number
The state or quality of being numerable or countable.
Of whom came nations, tribes, people, and kindreds out of number.
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May 03, 2023
◉Figure
(obsolete) To represent by a figure, as to form or mould; to make an image of, either palpable or ideal; also, to fashion into a determinate form; to shape.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Number
That which is regulated by count; poetic measure, as divisions of time or number of syllables; hence, poetry, verse; - chiefly used in the plural.
I lisped in numbers, for the numbers came.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Number
The distinction of objects, as one, or more than one (in some languages, as one, or two, or more than two), expressed (usually) by a difference in the form of a word; thus, the singular number and the plural number are the names of the forms of a word indicating the objects denoted or referred to by the word as one, or as more than one.
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May 03, 2023
◉Number
The measure of the relation between quantities or things of the same kind; that abstract species of quantity which is capable of being expressed by figures; numerical value.
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May 03, 2023
◉Number
To count; to reckon; to ascertain the units of; to enumerate.
If a man can number the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Figure
(music) To write over or under the bass, as figures or other characters, in order to indicate the accompanying chords.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Number
To reckon as one of a collection or multitude.
He was numbered with the transgressors.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Number
To give or apply a number or numbers to; to assign the place of in a series by order of number; to designate the place of by a number or numeral; as, to number the houses in a street, or the apartments in a building.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Figure
The form of anything; shape; outline; appearance.
Flowers have all exquisite figures.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Number
To amount; to equal in number; to contain; to consist of; as, the army numbers fifty thousand.
Thy tears can not number the dead.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Figure
The representation of any form, as by drawing, painting, modeling, carving, embroidering, etc.; especially, a representation of the human body; as, a figure in bronze; a figure cut in marble.
A coin that bears the figure of an angel.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Number
the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals;
he had a number of chores to do
the number of parameters is small
the figure was about a thousand
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Figure
A pattern in cloth, paper, or other manufactured article; a design wrought out in a fabric; as, the muslin was of a pretty figure.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Number
a concept of quantity derived from zero and units;
every number has a unique position in the sequence
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Figure
A diagram or drawing, made to represent a magnitude or the relation of two or more magnitudes; a surface or space inclosed on all sides; - called superficial when inclosed by lines, and solid when inclosed by surfaces; any arrangement made up of points, lines, angles, surfaces, etc.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Number
a short theatrical performance that is part of a longer program;
he did his act three times every evening
she had a catchy little routine
it was one of the best numbers he ever did
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Figure
The appearance or impression made by the conduct or career of a person; as, a sorry figure.
I made some figure there.
Gentlemen of the best figure in the county.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Number
a numeral or string of numerals that is used for identification;
she refused to give them her Social Security number
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Figure
Distinguished appearance; magnificence; conspicuous representation; splendor; show.
That he may live in figure and indulgence.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Number
the number is used in calling a particular telephone;
he has an unlisted number
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Figure
A character or symbol representing a number; a numeral; a digit; as, 1, 2,3, etc.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Number
a symbol used to represent a number;
he learned to write the numerals before he went to school
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Figure
Value, as expressed in numbers; price; as, the goods are estimated or sold at a low figure.
With nineteen thousand a year at the very lowest figure.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Number
one of a series published periodically;
she found an old issue of the magazine in her dentist's waitingroom
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Figure
A person, thing, or action, conceived of as analogous to another person, thing, or action, of which it thus becomes a type or representative.
Who is the figure of Him that was to come.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Number
a select company of people;
I hope to become one of their number before I die
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Figure
A mode of expressing abstract or immaterial ideas by words which suggest pictures or images from the physical world; pictorial language; a trope; hence, any deviation from the plainest form of statement. Also called a figure of speech.
To represent the imagination under the figure of a wing.
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May 03, 2023
◉Number
the grammatical category for the forms of nouns and pronouns and verbs that are used depending on the number of entities involved (singular or dual or plural);
in English the subject and the verb must agree in number
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May 03, 2023
◉Figure
The form of a syllogism with respect to the relative position of the middle term.
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May 03, 2023
◉Number
an item of merchandise offered for sale;
she preferred the black nylon number
this sweater is an all-wool number
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Figure
Any one of the several regular steps or movements made by a dancer.
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May 03, 2023
◉Figure
A horoscope; the diagram of the aspects of the astrological houses.
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May 03, 2023
◉Number
add up in number or quantity;
The bills amounted to $2,000
The bill came to $2,000
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May 03, 2023
◉Figure
Any short succession of notes, either as melody or as a group of chords, which produce a single complete and distinct impression.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Figure
A form of melody or accompaniment kept up through a strain or passage; a musical phrase or motive; a florid embellishment.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Figure
To represent by a figure, as to form or mold; to make an image of, either palpable or ideal; also, to fashion into a determinate form; to shape.
If love, alas! be pain I bear,
No thought can figure, and no tongue declare.Prior.
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May 03, 2023
◉Number
put into a group;
The academy counts several Nobel Prize winners among its members
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May 03, 2023
◉Figure
To embellish with design; to adorn with figures.
The vaulty top of heavenFigured quite o'er with burning meteors.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Number
determine the number or amount of;
Can you count the books on your shelf?
Count your change
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Figure
To indicate by numerals; also, to compute.
As through a crystal glass the figured hours are seen.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Figure
To represent by a metaphor; to signify or symbolize.
Whose white vestments figure innocence.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Number
A numeral or combination of numerals.
The number 23 is considered lucky by some.
Muazma Batool
Sep 16, 2023
◉Figure
To write over or under the bass, as figures or other characters, in order to indicate the accompanying chords.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Figure
To make a figure; to be distinguished or conspicious; as, the envoy figured at court.
Sociable, hospitable, eloquent, admired, figuring away brilliantly.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Figure
To calculate; to contrive; to scheme; as, he is figuring to secure the nomination.
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May 03, 2023
◉Figure
a diagram or picture illustrating textual material;
the area covered can be seen from Figure 2
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May 03, 2023
◉Figure
alternative names for the body of a human being;
Leonardo studied the human body
he has a strong physique
the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Figure
one of the elements that collectively form a system of numbers;
0 and 1 are digits
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May 03, 2023
◉Figure
a model of a bodily form (especially of a person);
he made a figure of Santa Claus
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Figure
a well-known or notable person;
they studied all the great names in the history of France
she is an important figure in modern music
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Figure
a combination of points and lines and planes that form a visible palpable shape
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Figure
an amount of money expressed numerically;
a figure of $17 was suggested
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Figure
the impression produced by a person;
he cut a fine figure
a heroic figure
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Figure
the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals;
he had a number of chores to do
the number of parameters is small
the figure was about a thousand
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Figure
a unitary percept having structure and coherence that is the object of attention and that stands out against a ground
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Figure
a predetermined set of movements in dancing or skating;
she made the best score on compulsory figures
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Figure
be or play a part of or in;
Elections figure prominently in every government program
How do the elections figure in the current pattern of internal politics?
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Figure
imagine; conceive of; see in one's mind;
I can't see him on horseback!
I can see what will happen
I can see a risk in this strategy
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Figure
A geometric shape or design.
The child drew different figures on the paper.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 16, 2023
◉Figure
The form or shape of a person's body.
The athlete has a well-defined figure.
Muazma Batool
Sep 16, 2023
◉Figure
A person of significance or note.
She became a central figure in the movement.
Lucas
Sep 16, 2023
◉Figure
To think or ponder about something.
He tried to figure out the puzzle.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 16, 2023
Number vs. Figure Frequently Asked Questions
Is every figure a number?
No, while a figure can represent a number, it can also mean a shape or a notable person.
Muazma Batool
Sep 16, 2023
How do you describe someone's physical appearance using these terms?
You'd typically use "figure" to describe someone's body form or shape.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 16, 2023
Can number and figure be used interchangeably?
In some contexts, like discussing amounts, they can be, but they have distinct meanings.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 16, 2023
Is the figure always about math?
No, figure can refer to shapes, body forms, or significant individuals.
Muazma Batool
Sep 16, 2023
What does it mean when someone says "six-figure salary"?
It means the salary has six digits, e.g., between 100,000 and 999,999.
Henry
Sep 16, 2023
Are there contexts where number and figure shouldn't be swapped?
Yes, like when referring to a geometric shape, only "figure" is apt.
Levi
Sep 16, 2023
Which term is broader in scope?
Figure has a broader scope, encompassing math, geometry, and representations.
Kaitlyn
Sep 16, 2023
Content Creators
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