Fathom – 1. Measure of depth of water – equal to 6 feet (1.8 metres) 2. To discover the meaning of something
(Pronounced fa-thum – th as in father)
To remember the definition of the word fathom, use the following mnemonic:
He had a fat thumb (fathom) but the doctor couldn't discover the reason why! But soaking it in a measure of water helped relieve the pain.
Examples of fathom (measure of water depth) in a sentence
The boat sank 20 fathoms to the bottom of the sea.
The lake was only 2 fathoms deep in the middle.
The average depth in the harbour is about eight fathoms, but the depth in the channel leading to it is slightly less.
Examples of fathom (discover the meaning of something) in a sentence
The police couldn't fathom how the burglars had gotten into the house.
The reasons for their attraction were not hard to fathom.
The onset of tantrums are hard for any parent to fathom.
