fathom
|fath-om|
B2
/ˈfæðəm/
measure depth; understand
Etymology
Etymology Information
'fathom' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'fæðm,' where 'fæðm' meant 'embrace' or 'encompass.'
Historical Evolution
'fæðm' transformed into the Middle English word 'fathme,' and eventually became the modern English word 'fathom.'
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to embrace or encompass,' but over time it evolved into its current meanings of 'measure depth' and 'understand.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a unit of length equal to 6 feet (1.83 meters), used especially for measuring the depth of water.
The ship was anchored in 10 fathoms of water.
Synonyms
Verb 1
to understand something thoroughly.
I couldn't fathom why she was so upset.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:40