fathom — to understand something deeply or completely
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to understand something deeply or completely
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈfæðəm/
Example Sentences
- I can't fathom how my cat always knows when I'm opening a can of tuna from three rooms away.
- Scientists are still trying to fathom the complexities of the human brain.
- The submarine descended to a depth of fifty fathoms.
fathom
VERB[/ˈfæðəm/]
to understand something deeply or completely
Finally understanding the mystery completely
To fathom the phantom's anthem
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Old English 'fæthm' meaning an arm's length or embrace, derived from Proto-Germanic 'fathimaz'. The word originally referred to the span of outstretched arms, a unit of measurement, before extending metaphorically to mean understanding or comprehension.
Breakdown
fathom (Old English 'fæthm') - a single morpheme with no productive prefix or suffix in modern English. Originally from Proto-Germanic root meaning 'embrace' or 'span of arms' (approximately 6 feet in nautical measurement)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“I can't fathom how my cat always knows when I'm opening a can of tuna from three rooms away.”
“Scientists are still trying to fathom the complexities of the human brain.”
“The submarine descended to a depth of fifty fathoms.”
“I'll never fathom why people put pineapple on pizza and call it Italian food.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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