fathom

[ˈfæðəm]

fathom Definition

• 1. understand (a difficult problem or an enigmatic person) after much thought
• 2. a 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

• comprehend
• grasp
• penetrate
• perceive
• apprehend

Antonyms for fathom

• misunderstand
• confuse

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.