figure vs hunch

figure

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

  • 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 calculate, to solve a mathematical problem. 

  • To enter into; to be a part of. 

  • 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. 

hunch

verb
  • To have a hunch, or make an intuitive guess. 

  • To raise (one's shoulders) (while lowering one's head or bending the top of one's body forward); to curve (one's body) forward (sometimes followed by up). 

  • To thrust a hump or protuberance out of (something); to crook, as the back. 

  • To push or jostle with the elbow; to push or thrust against (someone). 

  • To bend the top of one's body forward while raising one's shoulders. 

  • To walk (somewhere) while hunching one's shoulders. 

noun
  • A push or thrust, as with the elbow. 

  • A hump; a protuberance. 

  • A stooped or curled posture; a slouch. 

  • A hunk; a lump; a thick piece. 

  • A theory, idea, or guess; an intuitive impression that something will happen. 

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