Etymology Map
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Figure

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a number; a shape or person's body

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

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

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.