The word "unfathomable" is a bit tricky to spell due to its multiple syllables and complex set of sounds. It's pronounced as /ʌnˈfæðəməbəl/ and starts with an unstressed vowel sound followed by a stressed one. The middle part includes the "th" sound, which is pronounced as a voiceless dental fricative. The last syllable contains a schwa sound followed by the "b" and "l" sounds. Overall, the spelling of "unfathomable" accurately captures its pronunciation, with each letter representing a specific sound in the word.
The adjective "unfathomable" refers to something that is difficult or impossible to understand or comprehend fully. It describes an idea, concept, situation, or phenomenon that is beyond the depths of human comprehension or reasoning. When something is unfathomable, it often suggests that it is so complex, deep, or mysterious that it cannot be grasped or explored in its entirety.
This term is commonly used to describe vast and intricate issues, such as space or the universe, that defy human understanding due to their immense scale and complexity. It can also apply to emotions or states of mind that are so profound or intense that they are inexplicable. For example, the unfathomable depths of grief or the unfathomable joy of witnessing a miracle.
Furthermore, "unfathomable" can refer to actions or behaviors that are difficult to explain or comprehend due to their extraordinary nature or lack of logic. It may describe acts that seem irrational, incomprehensible, or downright perplexing to others. Additionally, "unfathomable" can denote something so astonishing or incredible that it is beyond belief or imagination.
Overall, "unfathomable" embodies a state of incomprehensibility, profundity, or awe that surpasses the limits of human understanding, leaving us bewildered and perplexed.
That cannot be sounded by a line; too deep for measuring.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* 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.
The word "unfathomable" is derived from the root word "fathom", which originally referred to a unit of length used to measure the depth of water. The verb "to fathom" meant to measure the depth of water using a fathom line. Over time, the term "fathom" metaphorically extended to mean grasping or understanding something deeply.
The "un-" prefix in "unfathomable" negates the root word, giving the meaning "not fathomable" or "beyond understanding". The term "unfathomable" first appears in English in the mid-17th century.