Word a Day
fathom
What does fathom mean?
fathom (verb): to deeply understand (someone or something); to get to the bottom of.
Definition: Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.
How do you use fathom in a sentence?
- I can’t for the life of me fathom what this means. (Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0)
How do you pronounce fathom?
/ˈfæðəm/ (IPA, American English). The app reads every word aloud.
Where does fathom come from?
From Middle English fathome, fadom, fadme (“unit of length of about six feet; depth of six feet for nautical soundings; (loosely) cubit; ell”).
Etymology: Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Test yourself: do you know “fathom”?
Tap an answer to check it. The same questions the app asks.
What does “fathom” mean?
to deeply understand (someone or something); to get to the bottom of
Right! That's what “fathom” means.
alter or regulate so as to achieve accuracy or conform to a standard
Not quite: that's what adjust means.
to wander, as from a direct course; to deviate, or go out of the way
Not quite: that's what stray means.
to exert an overwhelming guiding influence over something or someone
Not quite: that's what dominate means.
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