Picture vs. Figure: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Published on November 18, 2023
"Picture" typically refers to a visual representation, such as a painting or photograph, while "Figure" can denote a shape, number, or person's form.
Key Differences
"Picture" and "Figure" embody distinct meanings, though they both traverse the landscape of visual representation. A "Picture" is often an image or depiction, capturing moments, scenes, or objects. It's synonymous with photographs, paintings, and illustrations. In contrast, the term "Figure" wields multiple interpretations, spanning from numbers to shapes, and even embodying human forms or silhouettes.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 18, 2023
When you enter an art gallery, the "Picture" predominantly refers to framed visual artworks on display. These could be oil paintings, sketches, or even digital prints. Yet, within the same gallery, a sculpture or a mannequin may be labeled as a "Figure", emphasizing its three-dimensional form or the human-like representation it embodies.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 18, 2023
In literature or discussions, people might "Picture" a scene in their minds, visualizing narratives or ideas. It's an act of mental imaging. Conversely, "Figure" could be the representation of data in graphical forms, like charts or diagrams. It's more analytical and less about aesthetic imaging.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 18, 2023
If you were to describe a photograph, you might use "Picture" to define it, referencing the captured image. However, if you were to reference a person's silhouette or outline within that same photograph, "Figure" would be the appropriate term. This distinction draws a line between the entirety of the visual representation and the specific forms or shapes within.
Sara Rehman
Nov 18, 2023
"Picture" captures essence, moments, and visual narratives, often inducing emotions or memories. "Figure", versatile in its usage, leans more towards forms, numbers, and analytical representations, though it can also encapsulate human forms in various contexts.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 18, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Context
Art, photography, mental imaging
Mathematics, statistics, sculptures, silhouettes
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 18, 2023
Associated Domains
Galleries, memories, media
Math, data representation, sculptures
Sara Rehman
Nov 18, 2023
Degree of Specificity
Typically two-dimensional imagery
Broad, ranging from numbers to human forms
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 18, 2023
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Picture and Figure Definitions
Picture
A visual representation, like a photograph or painting.
The picture on the wall reminded her of her childhood.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Picture
A graphic or illustration in a book or article.
The children's book had colorful pictures on every page.
Harlon Moss
Oct 10, 2023
Figure
A diagram or illustrative drawing.
The figure in the textbook explained the concept clearly.
Janet White
Oct 10, 2023
Picture
A cinematic production or film.
We watched a picture about space exploration.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
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Figure
A statue or three-dimensional representation.
The marble figure stood tall in the courtyard.
Harlon Moss
Oct 10, 2023
Picture
A vivid or detailed description.
The author painted a vivid picture of the city in his novel.
Harlon Moss
Oct 10, 2023
Figure
A written or printed symbol representing something other than a letter, especially a number.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Picture
A visual representation or image painted, drawn, photographed, or otherwise rendered on a flat surface.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Picture
A vivid or realistic verbal description
A Shakespearean picture of guilt.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Figure
Figures One of the digits specified as making up a larger number
A salary in the six figures.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Figure
(Mathematics) A geometric form consisting of any combination of points, lines, or planes
A triangle is a plane figure.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Picture
A person or object bearing a marked resemblance to another
She's the picture of her mother.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Figure
The outline, form, or silhouette of a thing
Saw the figure of a cat in the window.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Figure
The shape or form of a human body
A fashion model with an attractive figure.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Picture
The chief circumstances of an event or time; the situation
How does the new boyfriend figure in the picture?.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Figure
An indistinct object or shape
The figures in the mist turned out to be lampposts.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Picture
To make a visible representation of
In this photo, the mayor is pictured with several aides.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Picture
To form a mental image of; visualize
I pictured my grandfather as a young man coming to America.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Figure
A pictorial or sculptural representation, especially of the human body.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Picture
To describe vividly in words; make a verbal picture of
Pictured their heroism in glowing language.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Picture
A representation of anything (as a person, a landscape, a building) upon canvas, paper, or other surface, by drawing, painting, printing, photography, etc.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Figure
(Music) A brief melodic or harmonic unit often constituting the basis of a larger phrase or structure.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Figure
(Logic) Any one of the forms that a syllogism can take, given one of the four possible arrangements of the middle term.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Picture
A paragon, a perfect example or specimen (of a category).
She's the very picture of health.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Figure
(Mathematics) To calculate with numbers
Figured the sum to be nearly a million.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Picture
An attractive sight.
The garden is a real picture at this time of year.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Figure
To write a sequence of conventionalized numbers below or above (the bassline) to indicate harmony.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Picture
(MLE) A sample of an illegal drug.
If you want me to buy your weed I’ll need a picture.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Figure
To conclude, believe, or predict
I never figured that this would happen.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Figure
To be or seem important or prominent
A key fact that figures in our understanding of what happened.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Picture
The art of painting; representation by painting.
Any well-expressed image . . . either in picture or sculpture.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
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.”.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
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
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
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
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Figure
The appearance or impression made by the conduct or career of a person.
He cut a sorry figure standing there in the rain.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
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
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Figure
(obsolete) Distinguished appearance; magnificence; conspicuous representation; splendour; show.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
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
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Figure
A human figure, which dress or corset must fit to; the shape of a human body.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Picture
A situation treated as an observable object;
The political picture is favorable
The religious scene in England has changed in the last century
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Picture
Illustrations used to decorate or explain a text;
The dictionary had many pictures
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
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
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Picture
The visible part of a television transmission;
They could still receive the sound but the picture was gone
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Figure
A visible pattern as in wood or cloth.
The muslin was of a pretty figure.''
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
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
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Picture
A typical example of some state or quality;
The very picture of a modern general
She was the picture of despair
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
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
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Figure
(logic) The form of a syllogism with respect to the relative position of the middle term.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
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
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Figure
(astrology) A horoscope; the diagram of the aspects of the astrological houses.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Picture
A mental image or visualization.
I have a clear picture of how the event should proceed.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Figure
(music) Any short succession of notes, either as melody or as a group of chords, which produce a single complete and distinct impression.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Figure
(music) A form of melody or accompaniment kept up through a strain or passage; a motif; a florid embellishment.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Figure
To come to understand.
I can’t figure if he’s telling the truth or lying.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Figure
To be reasonable.
It figures that somebody like him would be upset about the situation.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Figure
(music) To write over or under the bass, as figures or other characters, in order to indicate the accompanying chords.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Figure
The form of anything; shape; outline; appearance.
Flowers have all exquisite figures.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Figure
Distinguished appearance; magnificence; conspicuous representation; splendor; show.
That he may live in figure and indulgence.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Figure
A character or symbol representing a number; a numeral; a digit; as, 1, 2,3, etc.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Figure
The form of a syllogism with respect to the relative position of the middle term.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Figure
Any short succession of notes, either as melody or as a group of chords, which produce a single complete and distinct impression.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Figure
A form of melody or accompaniment kept up through a strain or passage; a musical phrase or motive; a florid embellishment.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Figure
To embellish with design; to adorn with figures.
The vaulty top of heavenFigured quite o'er with burning meteors.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Figure
To indicate by numerals; also, to compute.
As through a crystal glass the figured hours are seen.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Figure
To represent by a metaphor; to signify or symbolize.
Whose white vestments figure innocence.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Figure
To write over or under the bass, as figures or other characters, in order to indicate the accompanying chords.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Figure
To make a figure; to be distinguished or conspicious; as, the envoy figured at court.
Sociable, hospitable, eloquent, admired, figuring away brilliantly.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Figure
To calculate; to contrive; to scheme; as, he is figuring to secure the nomination.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Figure
A diagram or picture illustrating textual material;
The area covered can be seen from Figure 2
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
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
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Figure
One of the elements that collectively form a system of numbers;
0 and 1 are digits
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Figure
A model of a bodily form (especially of a person);
He made a figure of Santa Claus
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
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
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Figure
A combination of points and lines and planes that form a visible palpable shape
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Figure
An amount of money expressed numerically;
A figure of $17 was suggested
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Figure
The impression produced by a person;
He cut a fine figure
A heroic figure
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
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
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Figure
A unitary percept having structure and coherence that is the object of attention and that stands out against a ground
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Figure
A predetermined set of movements in dancing or skating;
She made the best score on compulsory figures
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
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?
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
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
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Figure
A number representing an amount.
The final figure for the project budget surprised everyone.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 10, 2023
FAQs
Can "Picture" refer to a mental image?
Yes, to "Picture" something can mean to visualize it in your mind.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 18, 2023
Does "Picture" always mean a photograph?
No, "Picture" can refer to any visual representation, including paintings and drawings.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 18, 2023
Is a statue considered a "Figure"?
Yes, statues or three-dimensional representations can be termed "Figure."
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 18, 2023
Can a "Picture" invoke emotions?
Yes, pictures, especially personal or artful ones, can evoke emotions or memories.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 18, 2023
Is a silhouette a "Figure"?
Yes, a silhouette, which represents a shape or outline, can be a "Figure."
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 18, 2023
Is "Figure" always about numbers?
No, "Figure" can denote shape, form, or even a statue.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 18, 2023
How is "Figure" used in math?
In math, "Figure" often refers to numbers or shapes.
Harlon Moss
Nov 18, 2023
Can "Figure" be a verb?
Yes, "Figure" can mean to think or conclude, as in "I figure it'll rain soon."
Janet White
Nov 18, 2023
Can movies be termed "Pictures"?
Yes, movies or films are sometimes called "Pictures."
Aimie Carlson
Nov 18, 2023
Can "Figure" mean a notable person?
Yes, in contexts like "public figure", it refers to a known or prominent person.
Harlon Moss
Nov 18, 2023
Does "Figure" always represent something physical?
No, it can represent abstract concepts like numbers or conclusions.
Sara Rehman
Nov 18, 2023
Does a "Picture" always exist in physical form?
No, it can be digital, physical, or even a mental visualization.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 18, 2023
Can "Picture" be used as a verb?
Yes, as in "Picture yourself on a tropical beach."
Sara Rehman
Nov 18, 2023
Is every visual representation a "Picture"?
Not necessarily. While many visual items can be "Pictures", some, like statues, might be better termed "Figures."
Harlon Moss
Nov 18, 2023
Can "Figure" be about data representation?
Yes, charts, graphs, or diagrams can be termed "Figure" in reports or articles.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 18, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
