Hi Danyel, When we have to gather information intuitively and piece them together like a jigsaw puzzle before solving a problem, we are "figuring out" something. A detective can "figure out" the probable cause of a fire upon reaching the scene and look for tell-tale signs of accelerants -- it may not turn out to be totally accurate but you are gathering provisional information which may turn out to be true. Example: She has to figure out the real intention of the advances her co-worker made to her. When we learn something by studying, researching or observation, we are "finding out" something. The learning journey is more structured and sequential -- we are clearer of the method to acquire the information. Example: To find out the effects of impurity X on the mechanical properties of glass, further tests have to be conducted. Hope this helps. Cheers, Lance

"find out" generally means the person would be investigating something outside of themselves. "figure out" might also be investigative of external circumstances, but is often seen when referring to introspection. So, "figuring out"= clarifying your thoughts.