figure

Where does the word "figure" come from? It comes from Latin figura, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).

Figure’s story begins in Latin: figura meant “shape, form.” From 'fingere', to shape, the root of 'fiction' and 'feign'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as figure. Used for numerals as well as shapes. It reached English by 1200s as figure. 'figure out' dates from the 1800s. Today, figure means a number; a shape or person's body.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient figura "shape, form", from 'fingere', to shape, the root of 'fiction' and 'feign'.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval figure "shape", used for numerals as well as shapes.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1200s figure "shape; numeral", 'figure out' dates from the 1800s.