design vs figure

design

verb
  • To manifest requirements to be satisfied by an object or process for them to solve a problem. 

  • To plan and carry out (a picture, work of art, construction etc.). 

noun
  • A plan (with more or less detail) for the structure and functions of an artifact, building or system. 

  • A pattern, as an element of a work of art or architecture. 

  • The art of designing 

  • The shape or appearance given to an object, especially one that is intended to make it more attractive. 

  • The composition of a work of art. 

  • Malicious or malevolent intention. 

  • A specification of an object or process, referring to requirements to be satisfied and thus conditions to be met for them to solve a problem. 

  • Intention or plot. 

figure

verb
  • To calculate, to solve a mathematical problem. 

  • To represent by a metaphor; to signify or symbolize. 

  • To write over or under the bass, as figures or other characters, in order to indicate the accompanying chords. 

  • To enter into; to be a part of. 

  • To think, to assume, to suppose, to reckon. 

  • To embellish with design; to adorn with figures. 

  • To embellish. 

  • To come to understand. 

  • To be reasonable. 

noun
  • A visible pattern as in wood or cloth. 

  • A number, an amount. 

  • A drawing or diagram conveying information. 

  • A human figure, which dress or corset must fit to; the shape of a human body. 

  • A form of melody or accompaniment kept up through a strain or passage; a motif; a florid embellishment. 

  • The form of a syllogism with respect to the relative position of the middle term. 

  • A figure of speech. 

  • The appearance or impression made by the conduct or career of a person. 

  • A person or thing representing a certain consciousness. 

  • A numeral. 

  • A horoscope; the diagram of the aspects of the astrological houses. 

  • Any short succession of notes, either as melody or as a group of chords, which produce a single complete and distinct impression. 

  • The representation of any form, as by drawing, painting, modelling, carving, embroidering, etc.; especially, a representation of the human body. 

  • A shape. 

  • Any complex dance moveᵂ. 

How often have the words design and figure occurred in a corpus of books? (source: Google Ngram Viewer )