fathom in English

fathom

⇄

fathom, noun, pl.fathomsor (collectively)fathom,verb.

fathom

⇄

noun a unit of measure equal to 6 feet. It is used mostly in measuring the depth of water and the length of ships' ropes or cables.
Ex. The ship sank in 10 fathoms. Full fathom five thy Father lies (Shakespeare).
(Abbr:) f.

fathom

⇄

noun fathomer.

fathom

⇄

v.i. 1. to take soundings.
Ex. to fathom with a plumb line.
2. (Figurative.) to delve; search.
Ex. The philosopher ... went fathoming on ... in the very abysses of human thought (Henry Hart Milman).

fathom

⇄

v.t. 1. to find the depth of; sound.
Ex. to fathom the ocean.
2. (Figurative.) to get to the bottom of; understand fully.
Ex. I can't fathom what you mean. I tried to fathom the motives for his behavior.
(SYN) comprehend.