The phrase "figure out" means to understand or solve something by thinking about it, analyzing information, or using reason. It often involves arriving at a conclusion, making sense of something complex, or finding a solution to a problem.
The term "figure out" combines the word "figure," which comes from the Latin "figura," meaning "shape" or "form," and "out," which is used in this context to indicate a process of unraveling or revealing information. The phrase has been in common English usage since the 19th century.