Want to say fathom differently? Here are other words for fathom and its similar synonyms and opposite words to say in unique way.
Meaning of fathom
The primary meaning of the word "fathom" is to understand or comprehend something, especially something complex or difficult.
Etymology of fathom
The word "fathom" originated in the 14th century from the Old English word "fæthm", which referred to the span of the outstretched arms, and was used to measure the depth of water.
Historically, the word has been used in nautical contexts to measure the depth of water, but it has also been used figuratively to describe the act of understanding or comprehending something.
Synonyms
comprehend
understand
grasp
apprehend
perceive
discern
interpret
penetrate
decipher
unravel
untangle
clarify
elucidate
expound
explain
interpret
construe
deduce
infer
gather
collect
realize
recognize
know
learn
discover
uncover
find
detect
notice
observe
see
measure
gauge
calculate
estimate
appraise
evaluate
assess
judge
comprehend
fathom
discern
perceive
penetrate
decipher
unravel
untangle
clarify
elucidate
expound
explain
interpret
construe
deduce
infer
gather
collect
realize
recognize
know
learn
discover
uncover
find
detect
notice
observe
see
Definitions
- A unit of length equal to six feet, used chiefly for measuring the depth of water.
- To measure the depth of water, especially with a sounding line.
- To understand or comprehend something, especially something complex or difficult.
Usage Examples
- The team of engineers tried to fathom the complex system of pulleys and levers.
- The depth of the ocean was measured in fathoms to determine the safety of the ship's passage.
- After months of study, she finally began to fathom the intricacies of the foreign language.