figure vs mate

figure

verb
  • To embellish. 

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

  • To embellish with design; to adorn with figures. 

  • 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. 

mate

verb
  • To copulate. 

  • To arrange in matched pairs. 

  • To copulate with. 

  • To match, fit together without space between. 

  • To introduce (animals) together for the purpose of breeding. 

  • To match oneself against; to oppose as equal; to compete with. 

  • To move (a space shuttle orbiter) onto the back of an aircraft that can carry it. 

  • To come together as companions, comrades, partners, etc. 

  • To marry; to match (a person). 

  • To pair in order to raise offspring. 

  • To fit (objects) together without space between. 

noun
  • Friendly term of address to a stranger, usually male, of similar age. 

  • A technical assistant in certain trades (e.g. gasfitter's mate, plumber's mate); sometimes an apprentice. 

  • A breeding partner. 

  • In naval ranks, a non-commissioned officer or his subordinate (e.g. Boatswain's Mate, Gunner's Mate, Sailmaker's Mate, etc). 

  • The other member of a matched pair of objects. 

  • A ship's officer, subordinate to the master on a commercial ship. 

  • A suitable companion; a match; an equal. 

  • A first mate. 

  • A friend, usually of the same sex. 

  • A fellow, comrade, colleague, partner or someone with whom something is shared, e.g. shipmate, classmate. 

  • The abovementioned plant; the leaves and shoots used for the tea 

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