According to the dictionary definitions the phrasal verb figure out and the verb grasp can indicate very similar meanings and it strikes me that one can use them interchangeably. This is why I came to this question that how shall one distinguish them in a manner that he/she could use each one in a more appropriate case?!
Please have a look on the dictionary examples bellow:
- Could you help me figure out this problem?
- It takes most people some time to figure out new software.
- The detective couldn't figure out the death reason!
- He couldn't figure out anything about them.
- I've read this book twice, but still I don't grasp it.
- I couldn't grasp what he was trying to say.
As far as I am concerned, in all cases above, these two verbs can be replaced freely in the manner that both sentences convey an identical message to the reader! Am I right? If so, then is it a matter of personal preference when to use them or there is something that I am missing it?