Fathom

/ˈfæð.əm/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A unit of length equal to six feet, used especially in nautical contexts.

The boat was anchored in 20 fathoms of water.

verb

To understand or comprehend something fully.

I can't fathom why she would make such a decision.

To measure the depth of water, typically using a sounding line.

The sailors used a line to fathom the depths of the ocean.

Middle English 'fathom', from Old English 'fæðm' meaning 'to embrace or envelop'.

fathom out

To figure out or understand something, especially when it is difficult.

to fathom the depths

To explore fully or understand completely, especially in terms of emotions or thoughts.

can't fathom

To be unable to understand something.

depth

The distance from the top or surface to the bottom of something.

measure

To ascertain the size, amount, or degree of something.

To really get it or have insight.

After talking it over, I finally fathomed what he was saying.

To take a guess based on partial understanding.

I can only fathom what might have happened.