Dictionary Entry
fathom
verbFind the meaning of the word fathom, plus dictionary definition, pronunciation, thesaurus-style synonyms, antonyms, and related vocabulary.
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Meaning
Dictionary meaning in a clear, student-friendly format.
To understand deeply after much thought, especially something complex or mysterious; also, a unit of length (six feet) used for measuring water depth.
Example Sentence
It was hard for the detective to fathom the criminal's complex motive, which seemed to defy all logic.
Usage Note
Use 'fathom' when you want to express the idea of understanding something profound or complex, like a difficult concept or someone's motives. For example, 'I can't fathom why she made that decision.' It can also refer to measuring water depth, as in 'The divers measured the ocean's depth in fathoms.'