understand (a difficult problem or an enigmatic person) after much thought, a unit of length equal to six feet (1.8 meters), chiefly used in reference to the depth of water

soundings and fathoms, fathom out, within (one's) fathom

Formal and Informal Expressions of fathom

In different contexts, you can replace 'fathom' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'comprehend, understand' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'get, figure out' is a commonplace synonym.

fathom: Explore its Definition & Usage

fathom Definition

1understand (a difficult problem or an enigmatic person) after much thought
2a unit of length equal to six feet (1.8 meters), chiefly used in reference to the depth of water

Using fathom: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "fathom" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
I cannot fathom why he would do such a thing.
Example
It's hard to fathom how much work it takes to run a restaurant.
Example
The ship sank to a depth of 20 fathoms.

fathom Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for fathom

Antonyms for fathom

Phrases with fathom

soundings and fathoms
measurements of the depth of water
Example
The captain ordered soundings and fathoms to be taken regularly.
fathom out
to understand or solve something that is difficult or complicated
Example
It took me a while to fathom out the instructions.
within (one's) fathom
able to be understood or comprehended by someone
Example
The technical jargon was not within my fathom.

Origins of fathom

from Old English 'fæthm', meaning 'outstretched arms'

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Summary: fathom in Brief

The term 'fathom' [ˈfæðəm] can be used as a verb to mean understanding a difficult problem or person after much thought, or as a noun to refer to a unit of length equal to six feet, often used to measure the depth of water. It can be used in phrases like 'fathom out,' meaning to understand or solve something complicated, and 'within one's fathom,' meaning able to be understood by someone.