figure

face

noun fee-GYOOR Less Common

Origin: Latin figura (shape, form)

Also means

figure, shape; figure (in maths)

Usage Note

Figure most commonly means 'face' in everyday speech — faire bonne figure means to put on a brave face. It also means a figure as in a diagram or mathematical shape, and a 'figure' as in a notable person (une figure importante). The verb figurer means 'to appear' or 'to figure', and se figurer means 'to imagine'.

Examples

"Il a fait une drôle de figure en apprenant la nouvelle."

Natural Translation

He pulled a funny face when he heard the news.

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