v. 1. To find an answer by thinking about (some problem or difficulty); solve. Tom couldn't figure out the last problem on the arithmetic test. Sam couldn't figure out how to print a program until the teacher showed him how. Mary couldn't figure out why her cake tasted so funny until she found salt mixed in the sugar bag.
Compare: FIND OUT 1 . 2. To learn how to explain; understand. Laurence is an odd boy; I can't figure him out.
Compare: MAKE OUT 2 .