What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
digit
Example
The PIN code requires four digits. [digit: noun]
Example
The number 3 is a digit. [digit: noun]
Example
He lost feeling in his digits due to the cold. [digits: plural noun]
figure
Example
The company reported a revenue figure of $1 million. [figure: noun]
Example
The number 3.14 is a figure. [figure: noun]
Example
The sculpture had a unique figure that caught the eye. [figure: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Digit is more commonly used than figure in everyday language, particularly when referring to individual numerical symbols. Figure is more common in technical or academic contexts, where precise numerical language is required.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between digit and figure?
Figure is generally considered more formal than digit, as it is often used in technical or academic writing. However, both words can be used in formal or informal contexts depending on the situation.
