English Phrasal Verbs (97/365) - Figure Out Something/Somebody/Figure Something/Somebody Out
To figure out means
A) to understand something or solve a problem
Example sentences:
- I've figured out how to find our way out of here.
- It was hard to figure out what he was saying.
B) to understand another person's motivations
Example sentence:
- For the longest time, I couldn't understand why he did those things. But I think I've figured him out.
I'm under the impression that this PV is used in North America but not very much in Britain or the Commonwealth. Is this true?
Hi Markku. Working something out basically is what it means. Very common.
In Britain and South Africa, too? I know Americans say it all the time.
Yes. Very common.
Well I'm still trying to figure out the intentions of my government but so far I can only confirm that the entire cabinet have a hidden agenda without a doubt.