fathom
0 antonyms and opposites of fathom, grouped by meaning.
Noun — A unit of length equal to six feet (about 1.8 metres), traditionally used to measure the depth of water.
How to use fathom
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English fæþm, originally meaning "outstretched arms" or "embrace" — the span of a person's arms was once used to measure length.
Full origin of fathom →Frequently asked questions
What does “fathom” mean?
The word “fathom” means a unit of length equal to six feet (about 1.8 metres), traditionally used to measure the depth of water. In plain terms, either a nautical unit of depth, or (more commonly today) to fully understand something confusing.
How do you pronounce “fathom”?
“Fathom” is pronounced FATHM (/ˈfæðəm/ in IPA).
How do you use “fathom” in a sentence?
Here is “fathom” used in a sentence: “The wreck lies at a depth of about forty fathoms.”
What part of speech is “fathom”?
Depending on how it is used, “fathom” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “fathom” come from?
The word “fathom” comes from Old English. From Old English fæþm, originally meaning "outstretched arms" or "embrace" — the span of a person's arms was once used to measure length.
Is “fathom” a common word?
“Fathom” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “fathom” have?
“Fathom” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a unit of length equal to six feet (about 1.8 metres), traditionally used to measure the depth of water.