Picture vs. Figure — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 16, 2023
A picture is a visual representation or image, while a figure can be a numerical representation, a person's form, or a diagram.
Difference Between Picture and Figure
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A picture typically refers to a visual depiction or portrayal, whether it's a photograph, painting, or drawing. It captures a moment, scene, or object for the viewer to observe. On the other hand, a figure can have multiple meanings. It can denote a number or value, represent a person's shape or silhouette, or be a diagram illustrating data or concepts.
In the realm of art, a picture is a creation that showcases visual elements. It might be a landscape, a portrait, or an abstract piece. Conversely, a figure in art often refers to the shape or form of a person or object depicted within the artwork, emphasizing its structural or outlined form.
When discussing literature or storytelling, a picture might evoke the idea of painting a scene with words, creating a vivid mental image. In contrast, a figure in literature often refers to a figurative language tool, such as metaphors, similes, or personification.
In everyday conversation, if someone mentions a picture, they're likely referring to a photo or image. This could be a cherished family photo or a snapshot from a vacation. In the same breath, if someone uses the term figure, they could be discussing statistics, a person's physique, or a particular shape or design.
Lastly, in the world of mathematics and statistics, a picture holds little relevance. However, a figure is paramount, representing numerical values, charts, or diagrams that visualize data or relationships.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A visual representation or image
A numerical representation or diagram
Usage in Art
An artwork showcasing visual elements
Shape or form of a person or object
Role in Literature
Painting a scene with words
Figurative language tool
Everyday Context
Refers to a photo or image
Discussing statistics or a person's form
Mathematical Relevance
Little relevance in math
Represents values, charts, or diagrams
Compare with Definitions
Picture
A visual representation captured through a camera.
She took a beautiful picture of the sunset.
Figure
A diagram or chart.
The figure in the report shows our quarterly sales.
Picture
A mental image or concept.
I have a clear picture of our goals for this year.
Figure
A person seen indistinctly or from a distance.
A shadowy figure appeared at the end of the hallway.
Picture
An illustration accompanying text.
The picture in the book helped clarify the author's point.
Figure
A written or printed symbol representing something other than a letter, especially a number.
Picture
A visual representation or image painted, drawn, photographed, or otherwise rendered on a flat surface.
Figure
Figures Mathematical calculations
Good at figures.
Picture
A visible image, especially one on a flat surface or screen
The picture reflected in the lake.
Focused the picture on the movie screen.
Figure
An amount represented in numbers
Sold for a large figure.
Picture
A vivid or realistic verbal description
A Shakespearean picture of guilt.
Figure
Figures One of the digits specified as making up a larger number
A salary in the six figures.
Picture
A vivid mental image.
Figure
(Mathematics) A geometric form consisting of any combination of points, lines, or planes
A triangle is a plane figure.
Picture
A person or object bearing a marked resemblance to another
She's the picture of her mother.
Figure
The outline, form, or silhouette of a thing
Saw the figure of a cat in the window.
Picture
A person, object, or scene that typifies or embodies an emotion, state of mind, or mood
Your face was the very picture of horror.
Figure
The shape or form of a human body
A fashion model with an attractive figure.
Picture
The chief circumstances of an event or time; the situation
How does the new boyfriend figure in the picture?.
Figure
An indistinct object or shape
The figures in the mist turned out to be lampposts.
Picture
A movie.
Figure
A person, especially a well-known one
A famous historical figure.
Picture
A tableau vivant.
Figure
Impression or appearance made
Cut a dashing figure at the reception.
Picture
To make a visible representation of
In this photo, the mayor is pictured with several aides.
Figure
A person, animal, or object that symbolizes something.
Picture
To form a mental image of; visualize
I pictured my grandfather as a young man coming to America.
Figure
A pictorial or sculptural representation, especially of the human body.
Picture
To describe vividly in words; make a verbal picture of
Pictured their heroism in glowing language.
Figure
A diagram
Drew a figure of the office layout.
Picture
A representation of anything (as a person, a landscape, a building) upon canvas, paper, or other surface, by drawing, painting, printing, photography, etc.
Figure
A design or pattern, as in a textile
Silk with a paisley figure.
Picture
An image; a representation as in the imagination.
Figure
An illustration printed from an engraved plate or block.
Picture
A painting.
There was a picture hanging above the fireplace.
Figure
A configuration or distinct group of steps in a dance.
Picture
A photograph.
I took a picture of the church.
Figure
A pattern traced by a series of movements, as in ice skating.
Picture
A motion picture.
Casablanca is my all-time favorite picture.
Figure
(Music) A brief melodic or harmonic unit often constituting the basis of a larger phrase or structure.
Picture
Cinema as a form of entertainment.
Let's go to the pictures.
Figure
(Logic) Any one of the forms that a syllogism can take, given one of the four possible arrangements of the middle term.
Picture
A paragon, a perfect example or specimen (of a category).
She's the very picture of health.
Figure
(Mathematics) To calculate with numbers
Figured the sum to be nearly a million.
Picture
An attractive sight.
The garden is a real picture at this time of year.
Figure
To make a likeness of; depict.
Picture
The art of painting; representation by painting.
Figure
To adorn with a design or figures.
Picture
A figure; a model.
Figure
To write a sequence of conventionalized numbers below or above (the bassline) to indicate harmony.
Picture
Situation.
The employment picture for the older middle class is not so good.
You can't just look at the election, you've got to look at the big picture.
Figure
To embellish with an ornamental pattern.
Picture
(MLE) A sample of an illegal drug.
If you want me to buy your weed I’ll need a picture.
Figure
To conclude, believe, or predict
I never figured that this would happen.
Picture
(programming) A format string in the COBOL programming language.
Figure
To consider or regard
Figured them as con artists.
Picture
(transitive) To represent in or with a picture.
Figure
(Mathematics) To calculate; compute.
Picture
(transitive) To imagine or envision.
Figure
To be or seem important or prominent
A key fact that figures in our understanding of what happened.
Picture
(transitive) To depict or describe vividly.
Figure
To be pertinent or involved
His advice barely figured in my decision.
Picture
The art of painting; representation by painting.
Any well-expressed image . . . either in picture or sculpture.
Figure
(Informal) To seem reasonable or expected
“I found my keys in the sofa.” “Well, that figures, given that you were sitting there last night.”.
Picture
A representation of anything (as a person, a landscape, a building) upon canvas, paper, or other surface, produced by means of painting, drawing, engraving, photography, etc.; a representation in colors. By extension, a figure; a model.
Pictures and shapes are but secondary objects.
The young king's picture . . . in virgin wax.
Figure
A drawing or diagram conveying information.
Picture
An image or resemblance; a representation, either to the eye or to the mind; that which, by its likeness, brings vividly to mind some other thing; as, a child is the picture of his father; the man is the picture of grief.
My eyes make pictures when they are shut.
Figure
The representation of any form, as by drawing, painting, modelling, carving, embroidering, etc.; especially, a representation of the human body.
A figure in bronze; a figure cut in marble
Picture
To draw or paint a resemblance of; to delineate; to represent; to form or present an ideal likeness of; to bring before the mind.
I have not seen him so pictured.
Figure
A person or thing representing a certain consciousness.
Picture
A visual representation (of an object or scene or person or abstraction) produced on a surface;
They showed us the pictures of their wedding
A movie is a series of images projected so rapidly that the eye integrates them
Figure
The appearance or impression made by the conduct or career of a person.
He cut a sorry figure standing there in the rain.
Picture
Graphic art consisting of an artistic composition made by applying paints to a surface;
A small painting by Picasso
He bought the painting as an investment
His pictures hang in the Louvre
Figure
(obsolete) Distinguished appearance; magnificence; conspicuous representation; splendour; show.
Picture
A clear and telling mental image;
He described his mental picture of his assailant
He had no clear picture of himself or his world
The events left a permanent impression in his mind
Figure
A human figure, which dress or corset must fit to; the shape of a human body.
Picture
A situation treated as an observable object;
The political picture is favorable
The religious scene in England has changed in the last century
Figure
A numeral.
Picture
Illustrations used to decorate or explain a text;
The dictionary had many pictures
Figure
A number, an amount.
Picture
A form of entertainment that enacts a story by a sequence of images giving the illusion of continuous movement;
They went to a movie every Saturday night
The film was shot on location
Figure
A shape.
A geometrical figure, a plane figure, a solid figure
Picture
The visible part of a television transmission;
They could still receive the sound but the picture was gone
Figure
A visible pattern as in wood or cloth.
The muslin was of a pretty figure.''
Picture
A graphic or vivid verbal description;
Too often the narrative was interrupted by long word pictures
The author gives a depressing picture of life in Poland
The pamphlet contained brief characterizations of famous Vermonters
Figure
Any complex dance moveW.
Picture
A typical example of some state or quality;
The very picture of a modern general
She was the picture of despair
Figure
A figure of speech.
Picture
Imagine; conceive of; see in one's mind;
I can't see him on horseback!
I can see what will happen
I can see a risk in this strategy
Figure
(logic) The form of a syllogism with respect to the relative position of the middle term.
Picture
Show in, or as in, a picture;
This scene depicts country life
The face of the child is rendered with much tenderness in this painting
Figure
(astrology) A horoscope; the diagram of the aspects of the astrological houses.
Picture
A painting or drawing.
The picture in the gallery was worth millions.
Figure
(music) Any short succession of notes, either as melody or as a group of chords, which produce a single complete and distinct impression.
Picture
A depiction in movies or television.
The picture won several awards for its storytelling.
Figure
(music) A form of melody or accompaniment kept up through a strain or passage; a motif; a florid embellishment.
Figure
To calculate, to solve a mathematical problem.
Figure
To come to understand.
I can’t figure if he’s telling the truth or lying.
Figure
To think, to assume, to suppose, to reckon.
Figure
To be reasonable.
It figures that somebody like him would be upset about the situation.
Figure
(intransitive) To enter into; to be a part of.
Figure
(obsolete) To represent by a figure, as to form or mould; to make an image of, either palpable or ideal; also, to fashion into a determinate form; to shape.
Figure
To embellish with design; to adorn with figures.
Figure
(obsolete) To indicate by numerals.
Figure
To represent by a metaphor; to signify or symbolize.
Figure
(obsolete) To prefigure; to foreshow.
Figure
(music) To write over or under the bass, as figures or other characters, in order to indicate the accompanying chords.
Figure
(music) To embellish.
Figure
The form of anything; shape; outline; appearance.
Flowers have all exquisite figures.
Figure
The representation of any form, as by drawing, painting, modeling, carving, embroidering, etc.; especially, a representation of the human body; as, a figure in bronze; a figure cut in marble.
A coin that bears the figure of an angel.
Figure
A pattern in cloth, paper, or other manufactured article; a design wrought out in a fabric; as, the muslin was of a pretty figure.
Figure
A diagram or drawing, made to represent a magnitude or the relation of two or more magnitudes; a surface or space inclosed on all sides; - called superficial when inclosed by lines, and solid when inclosed by surfaces; any arrangement made up of points, lines, angles, surfaces, etc.
Figure
The appearance or impression made by the conduct or career of a person; as, a sorry figure.
I made some figure there.
Gentlemen of the best figure in the county.
Figure
Distinguished appearance; magnificence; conspicuous representation; splendor; show.
That he may live in figure and indulgence.
Figure
A character or symbol representing a number; a numeral; a digit; as, 1, 2,3, etc.
Figure
Value, as expressed in numbers; price; as, the goods are estimated or sold at a low figure.
With nineteen thousand a year at the very lowest figure.
Figure
A person, thing, or action, conceived of as analogous to another person, thing, or action, of which it thus becomes a type or representative.
Who is the figure of Him that was to come.
Figure
A mode of expressing abstract or immaterial ideas by words which suggest pictures or images from the physical world; pictorial language; a trope; hence, any deviation from the plainest form of statement. Also called a figure of speech.
To represent the imagination under the figure of a wing.
Figure
The form of a syllogism with respect to the relative position of the middle term.
Figure
Any one of the several regular steps or movements made by a dancer.
Figure
A horoscope; the diagram of the aspects of the astrological houses.
Figure
Any short succession of notes, either as melody or as a group of chords, which produce a single complete and distinct impression.
Figure
A form of melody or accompaniment kept up through a strain or passage; a musical phrase or motive; a florid embellishment.
Figure
To represent by a figure, as to form or mold; to make an image of, either palpable or ideal; also, to fashion into a determinate form; to shape.
If love, alas! be pain I bear,
No thought can figure, and no tongue declare.Prior.
Figure
To embellish with design; to adorn with figures.
The vaulty top of heavenFigured quite o'er with burning meteors.
Figure
To indicate by numerals; also, to compute.
As through a crystal glass the figured hours are seen.
Figure
To represent by a metaphor; to signify or symbolize.
Whose white vestments figure innocence.
Figure
To prefigure; to foreshow.
In this the heaven figures some event.
Figure
To write over or under the bass, as figures or other characters, in order to indicate the accompanying chords.
Figure
To make a figure; to be distinguished or conspicious; as, the envoy figured at court.
Sociable, hospitable, eloquent, admired, figuring away brilliantly.
Figure
To calculate; to contrive; to scheme; as, he is figuring to secure the nomination.
Figure
A diagram or picture illustrating textual material;
The area covered can be seen from Figure 2
Figure
Alternative names for the body of a human being;
Leonardo studied the human body
He has a strong physique
The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak
Figure
One of the elements that collectively form a system of numbers;
0 and 1 are digits
Figure
A model of a bodily form (especially of a person);
He made a figure of Santa Claus
Figure
A well-known or notable person;
They studied all the great names in the history of France
She is an important figure in modern music
Figure
A combination of points and lines and planes that form a visible palpable shape
Figure
An amount of money expressed numerically;
A figure of $17 was suggested
Figure
The impression produced by a person;
He cut a fine figure
A heroic figure
Figure
The property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals;
He had a number of chores to do
The number of parameters is small
The figure was about a thousand
Figure
Language used in a figurative or nonliteral sense
Figure
A unitary percept having structure and coherence that is the object of attention and that stands out against a ground
Figure
A decorative or artistic work;
The coach had a design on the doors
Figure
A predetermined set of movements in dancing or skating;
She made the best score on compulsory figures
Figure
Judge to be probable
Figure
Be or play a part of or in;
Elections figure prominently in every government program
How do the elections figure in the current pattern of internal politics?
Figure
Imagine; conceive of; see in one's mind;
I can't see him on horseback!
I can see what will happen
I can see a risk in this strategy
Figure
Make a mathematical calculation or computation
Figure
Understand;
He didn't figure her
Figure
A number or value.
The final figure was much higher than expected.
Figure
The shape or form of a person or object.
She has an athletic figure.
Figure
A representation or likeness of something.
The toy is a figure of a famous superhero.
Common Curiosities
Are diagrams and charts considered figures?
Yes, they fall under the category of figures.
Is a photograph considered a picture?
Yes, photographs are common examples of pictures.
Can a figure be a representation of a person's form?
Yes, it can denote a person's shape or silhouette.
How is picture used in the context of storytelling?
It refers to creating a vivid mental image.
Can figure be used in the context of idiomatic expressions?
Yes, like "go figure" or "figure it out."
Can the word figure refer to statistics?
Yes, it can represent numerical values or data.
Can a movie be termed a picture?
Yes, movies are often colloquially referred to as pictures.
Is a portrait a type of picture?
Yes, a portrait is a specific kind of picture.
What's the primary meaning of a picture?
A visual representation or image.
Can you "draw" a picture?
Yes, drawing produces pictures.
Can figure be synonymous with physique?
Yes, it can refer to a person's physical form.
Are pictures always tangible?
No, they can also be mental or conceptual.
Is a figure always visual?
No, figures can be numerical or abstract concepts.
Does figure have a place in mathematics?
Yes, representing numbers, data, and relationships.
Can a figure be a toy or a model?
Yes, small representations of characters are called figures.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
