fathom

/'fæðəm/

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Explanation of the Word "Fathom"

Part of Speech: - Noun - Verb

Usage Instructions:

• Use "fathom" as a noun when discussing measurements in water or mining contexts.
• Use "fathom" as a verb when talking about understanding complex ideas or measuring water depth.

Examples:

1. As a noun: "The lake is 20 fathoms deep, which is about 120 feet."
2. As a verb: "I can’t fathom why he decided to leave his job."

Advanced Usage:

• In literature or more complex discussions, "fathom" can be used metaphorically. For example, you might say, "It took me a long time to fathom the true meaning of the poem."

Word Variants:

• Fathomable (adjective): Something that can be understood or measured.
  • Example: "Her reasons for moving were not fathomable to me."
• Unfathomable (adjective): Something that cannot be understood.
  • Example: "The depths of the ocean are unfathomable."

Different Meanings:

• In addition to its literal meanings, "fathom" can also imply a deep understanding of abstract concepts, feelings, or situations.

Synonyms:

• For the noun: "depth," "measure."
• For the verb: "comprehend," "understand," "grasp."

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• "Fathom out": This phrase means to understand something after a lot of thought.
  • Example: "It took me a while to fathom out the instructions."

Summary:

"Fathom" is a versatile word in English. It can refer to a specific measurement of depth in water or a unit in mining, but it is often used to express the idea of understanding something deeply.

Academic

Noun

1. (mining) a unit of volume (equal to 6 cubic feet) used in measuring bodies of ore
2. a linear unit of measurement (equal to 6 feet) for water depth

Verb

1. measure the depth of (a body of water) with a sounding line
2. come to understand

Synonyms

• fthm
• sound
• penetrate
• bottom