Fathom

Verb

Definition: To understand (a difficult problem or an enigmatic person) after much thought.

Definition: To measure the depth of (water) with a sounding line.

Synonyms: Comprehend, Grasp, Perceive, Penetrate

Antonyms: Misunderstand, Misconstrue, Misinterpret

Examples:

After hours of pondering, he finally fathomed the true meaning of the poem.
The sailors tried to fathom the depth of the ocean using a sounding line.

Mnemonics:

Fathom sounds like "fat thumb", imagine someone trying to understand something complex using their fat thumb.
Think of a sounding line that helps you fathom the depth of the water.

Etymology:

Origin:

Old English 'fæðmian', meaning "to embrace, envelop, or surround."

Historical Usage:

The word originated in Old English and has retained its meaning of "embracing" or "surrounding", but also gained a specialized meaning of "measuring depths".

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Beyond one's fathom"

Explanation:

Used to describe something that is beyond a person's comprehension or understanding.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Fathom is often mistakenly used interchangeably with "understand".

Explanation:

While "fathom" can mean to understand something, it specifically refers to understanding something that is difficult or enigmatic after significant thought, and not just any understanding.