What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Fathom - What does it mean?

fathom | |

is likely misspelled.


has no English definition.

As a noun fathom

is grasp, envelopment, control.

As a verb fathom

is to encircle with outstretched arms, especially to take a measurement; to embrace.

fathom

English

Noun

(en noun)
  • (obsolete) Grasp, envelopment, control.
  • (nautical) A measure of length corresponding to the outstretched arms, standardised to six feet, now used mainly for measuring depths in seas or oceans.
  • (by extension) Mental reach or scope; penetration; the extent of capacity; depth of thought or contrivance.
  • * Shakespeare
  • Another of his fathom they have none / To lead their business (Othello, I.i. 151-2).

    Synonyms

    *(measure of length corresponding to the outstretched arms) brace

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • (archaic) To encircle with outstretched arms, especially to take a measurement; to embrace.
  • To measure the depth of, take a sounding of.
  • (figuratively) To get to the bottom of; to manage to comprehend (a problem etc.).
  • I can't for the life of me fathom what this means.

    Synonyms

    * fathom out, figure out, puzzle out, work out

    Not English

    has no English definition. It may be misspelled.