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Fathom vs Appreciate - What's the difference?

fathom | appreciate |

In lang=en terms the difference between fathom and appreciate

is that fathom is to measure the depth of, take a sounding of while appreciate is to increase in value.

As verbs the difference between fathom and appreciate

is that fathom is (archaic) to encircle with outstretched arms, especially to take a measurement; to embrace while appreciate is to be grateful or thankful for.

As a noun fathom

is (obsolete) grasp, envelopment, control.

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

    appreciate

    English

    Alternative forms

    * (archaic)

    Verb

    (appreciat)
  • to be grateful or thankful for.
  • I appreciate your efforts
  • to view as valuable.
  • You must learn to appreciate time
  • to be fully conscious of; be aware of; detect.
  • To test the power of bees to appreciate color.
  • * Lubbock
  • to test the power of bees to appreciate colour
  • to increase in value.
  • The value of his portfolio appreciated by 80% over eight years.
  • * Ramsay
  • lest a sudden peace should appreciate the money

    Usage notes

    * This is a catenative verb that takes the gerund (-ing) . See

    Synonyms

    * esteem * estimate * understand

    Antonyms

    * depreciate

    References

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