Antonyms for fathoming


Grammar : Verb
Spell : fath -uh m
Phonetic Transcription : ˈfæð əm


Definition of fathoming

Origin :
  • Old English fæðm "length of the outstretched arm" (a measure of about six feet), also "arms, grasp," and, figuratively "power," from Proto-Germanic *fathmaz "embrace" (cf. Old Norse faðmr "embrace, bosom," Old Saxon fathmos "the outstretched arms," Dutch vadem "a measure of six feet"), from PIE *pot(e)-mo-, from root *pete- "to spread, stretch out" (see pace (n.)). There are apparent cognates in Old Frisian fethem, German faden "thread," which OED explains by reference to "spreading out."
  • verb discern, understand
Example sentences :
  • He looked at her for a moment, fathoming the purport of what she said.
  • Extract from : « The Trampling of the Lilies » by Rafael Sabatini
  • This difference is beyond the fathoming line of human thought.
  • Extract from : « Aims and Aids for Girls and Young Women » by George Sumner Weaver
  • In fact he had thrown himself in his hands for the purpose of fathoming his plots.
  • Extract from : « Historical Tales, Vol. 9 (of 15) » by Charles Morris
  • The doctor was fathoming Josephine, for the benefit of his companion.
  • Extract from : « White Lies » by Charles Reade
  • My affection hampers me from fathoming Frank's inner-most thoughts.
  • Extract from : « Old Mr. Wiley » by Fanny Greye La Spina
  • Earlier, fathoming his purposes, she would have raged, have burst into a passion.
  • Extract from : « The Brentons » by Anna Chapin Ray
  • I now felt that there was only one way of fathoming the secret of the crime.
  • Extract from : « Much Darker Days » by Andrew Lang (AKA A. Huge Longway)
  • There is no fathoming 27 the devices of Scanderbeg's wily brain.
  • Extract from : « The Captain of the Janizaries » by James M. Ludlow
  • We very often get an idea of a community by fathoming its leading men.
  • Extract from : « The Puddleford Papers, » by H. H. Riley
  • To all appearance Richelieu cared but little about fathoming the business.
  • Extract from : « La Sorcire: The Witch of the Middle Ages » by Jules Michelet

Synonyms for fathoming

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019