fathom
verb | /fathom/
understand (a difficult problem or an enigmatic person) after much thought
fathom
verb | /fathom/
Advanced WordsMEDIUMunderstand (a difficult problem or an enigmatic person) after much thought
Learning Progress
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
"I cannot fathom why she left without saying goodbye."
"They tried to fathom the reasoning behind the decision."
Mnemonic Trick
FATHOM → FAITH + HOME: reach depth of understanding — fathom = measure depth (of idea).
Etymology
Old English fæthm “outstretched arms” used for measuring depth; later figurative.
Now commonly used for understanding or measuring depth.
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