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Difference between "a figure" and "a number"?

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vincent profile picture vincentJuly 2023
”A number” refers to a mathematical value or quantity.

”A figure” can also refer to a number, but it often refers to statistical or financial data, or it can mean a digit in a larger number.
AussieInBg profile picture AussieInBgJanuary 2024

A figure is a type of number which has a defined quantity of something "real" and can be used to calculate other quantities. Often, this is something which is derived from some sort of measurement, such as in accounting, economics or the sciences.


On the other hand a "number" is a much more general quantity. It can even be abstract when talking about mathematical theories. For example, π ( = pi = 3.14....) is a number but not a figure.
 

Data (yes, "datum" is the singular form ;) is very often used as a synonym for "figures" when you measure something. "figures" tends nowadays to be used in informal contexts rather than the word "data".

From what I've seen, perhaps over the last 20 years or so, "data" has been replacing "figures" in even informal English usage. I guess that's because of the prevalence of computing and data science in general. For example, economists used to talk about "economic figures". Now they usually talk about "economic data".

bensonalan1957 profile picture bensonalan1957January 2020
That women had a great figure, I’d like to get her number
  • irennemartin profile picture irennemartinJuly 2023
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