The present participle of figure; calculating, working out, or coming to understand something through reasoning.
From Latin figura meaning 'shape, form, figure,' from fingere 'to shape, form.' The sense of 'calculating' developed from the use of numerical figures, while 'understanding' came from the idea of forming a mental picture or shape of something.
The phrase 'go figure' perfectly captures how this word bridges mathematical calculation and intuitive understanding—it's simultaneously saying 'calculate that' and 'try to make sense of it.' This duality reflects how humans naturally blend logical reasoning with pattern recognition to solve problems.
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