French word

figure

Pronunciation

IPA/figyʁ/

Meaning

  • feminine nounface

Example

Il a une figure sympathique.

He has a friendly face.

Illustration for figure (face)

More examples

Elle a su faire bonne figure malgré la fatigue.

She managed to make a good impression despite her fatigue.

Core concept

The recognizable form by which a person appears, whether in facial features, bodily shape, or a representation.

Common phrases

  • faire bonne figure

    make a good impression

  • avoir une figure sympathique

    have a friendly-looking face

  • faire une drôle de figure

    make a funny face

Similar words

visage: The visible front of the face, including its eyes, nose, and mouth.
aspect: A person's or thing's outward appearance and general impression.
profil: A face or body's shape and outline viewed from the side.

Definition in French

Ensemble des traits et de l'expression qui forment l'apparence d'un visage ; peut aussi désigner la silhouette ou une image représentant une personne.

Word origin

The noun developed from Latin figura through Old French, retaining the central idea of a shape while acquiring senses for appearance and representation.

Usage tips

  • French figure often means face, whereas English figure usually does not have that everyday sense.

Other meanings

  • figurenoun
  • characternoun
  • diagramnoun

Related words

  • figurerbe listedverb
  • figuratiffigurativeadjective

Word lists with this word