How Do You Spell FATHOM?

Pronunciation: [fˈaðəm] (IPA)

The word "fathom" is a tricky one when it comes to spelling. It is spelled with the letters "f-a-t-h-o-m", but pronounced as /ˈfæðəm/. The key to understanding this spelling is to break down the phonetic transcription into its individual sounds. The "f" at the beginning makes a /f/ sound, followed by the "a" which makes a /æ/ sound. The "th" creates a unique sound, written as /ð/, and the "o" produces an /ə/ sound. Finally, the "m" makes a /m/ sound. It's easy to confuse this word with other similar-sounding ones, so it's important to pay attention to its spelling and pronunciation.

Meaning and Definition
Top Common Misspellings
Other Common Misspellings
Etymology
Idioms
Similar spelling words
Plural
Conjugate verb
Basic Check Advanced Check

FATHOM Meaning and Definition

  1. Fathom is both a noun and a verb with several distinct meanings. As a noun, fathom refers to a unit of measurement traditionally used for maritime purposes and is equal to approximately six feet or 1.8 meters. This unit is commonly employed for measuring the depth of water. In this sense, fathom is also used as a verb, meaning to measure the depth of something using a fathom or similar unit.

    Beyond its literal measurement, fathom can also be used metaphorically to signify understanding or comprehending something that is difficult or complex. As a verb, it means to understand or grasp the meaning or nature of something, particularly in a deep or profound way. For instance, one might say, "I cannot fathom why she would make such a decision."

    Fathom can also be used in the context of exploring or exploring a concept, idea, or mystery. It implies delving into the depths of something, trying to reach its core or uncover its secrets. In this sense, it suggests seeking to comprehend or unravel the complexity or mysteries of a subject.

    Overall, fathom encompasses concepts of measurement, comprehension, and exploration. It denotes the act of measuring depth in a literal sense, understanding or comprehending something in a metaphorical sense, and exploring the depths of a subject in a figurative sense.

  2. • The length between the extremities of both arms extended; a measure of length of six feet.
    • To reach; to master; to comprehend; to try the depth.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for FATHOM *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for FATHOM

Etymology of FATHOM

The word "fathom" originated from Old English "fæðm" (plural "fæðm") which means "outstretched arms" or "embrace". It is derived from the Proto-Germanic root "fathmos" or "faþmos" which also carried the sense of "embrace" or "enclosure". This root is related to the Old Norse "faðmr" and the Old Frisian "fethem", both of which have similar meanings. The term eventually evolved to refer specifically to a unit of measurement used for the depth of water, equal to six feet or around 1.8 meters.

Idioms with the word FATHOM

  • fathom the depths of (something) The idiom "fathom the depths of (something)" means to fully understand or comprehend the true nature, significance, or complexity of something. It refers to the act of thoroughly exploring or delving into the deep intricacies or hidden aspects of a particular subject or situation.

Similar spelling words for FATHOM

Plural form of FATHOM is FATHOMS

Conjugate verb Fathom

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have fathomed
you would have fathomed
he/she/it would have fathomed
we would have fathomed
they would have fathomed
I would have fathom
you would have fathom
he/she/it would have fathom
we would have fathom
they would have fathom

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been fathoming
you would have been fathoming
he/she/it would have been fathoming
we would have been fathoming
they would have been fathoming

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would fathom
you would fathom
he/she/it would fathom
we would fathom
they would fathom

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be fathoming
you would be fathoming
he/she/it would be fathoming
we would be fathoming
they would be fathoming

FUTURE

I will fathom
you will fathom
he/she/it will fathom
we will fathom
they will fathom

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be fathoming
you will be fathoming
he/she/it will be fathoming
we will be fathoming
they will be fathoming

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have fathomed
you will have fathomed
he/she/it will have fathomed
we will have fathomed
they will have fathomed

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been fathoming
you will have been fathoming
he/she/it will have been fathoming
we will have been fathoming
they will have been fathoming

IMPERATIVE

you fathom
we let´s fathom

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to fathom

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was fathoming
you were fathoming
he/she/it was fathoming
we were fathoming
they were fathoming

PAST PARTICIPLE

fathomed

PAST PERFECT

I had fathomed
you had fathomed
he/she/it had fathomed
we had fathomed
they had fathomed

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been fathoming
you had been fathoming
he/she/it had been fathoming
we had been fathoming
they had been fathoming

PRESENT

I fathom
you fathom
he/she/it fathoms
we fathom
they fathom

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am fathoming
you are fathoming
he/she/it is fathoming
we are fathoming
they are fathoming

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

fathoming

PRESENT PERFECT

I have fathomed
you have fathomed
he/she/it has fathomed
we have fathomed
they have fathomed

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been fathoming
you have been fathoming
he/she/it has been fathoming
we have been fathoming
they have been fathoming

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it fathom

SIMPLE PAST

I fathomed
you fathomed
he/she/it fathomed
we fathomed
they fathomed

Infographic

Correct spelling for fathom
Add the infographic to your website: