figure
noun
a numerical symbol, especially an Arabic numeral.
was figuring
-
past progressiveof figure.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
‘Chuck Norris penetrated the internet as the internet was figuring out how to be something that took over the culture at large.’
From MarketWatch ● Mar. 20, 2026
The scientists’ big breakthrough was figuring out how to turn them on and off so that target metals can be retrieved without the chemical inputs and waste that plague traditional metal processing, Su said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 11, 2026
One of Gyllenhaal’s biggest learning curves in directing “The Lost Daughter” was figuring out how to speak to each actor individually to get the most out of them.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 1, 2026
He is openly gay, but says he was figuring out his sexuality at a time when homosexuality was "looked on with terrible shame and disgust by the vast majority of society".
From BBC ● Aug. 15, 2025
The tricky part was figuring out how to maintain life support.
From "The Martian" by Andy Weir
