Fathomable

/ˈfæðəməbəl/ adjective

Definition

Able to be understood, measured, or comprehended; capable of being fathomed out or solved.

Etymology

Adjective form of 'fathom' created by adding the suffix '-able' (meaning capable of being). 'Fathom' as a verb means both to measure depth and to understand or figure something out.

Kelly Says

The shift from 'fathom' meaning to physically measure depth to meaning 'to understand' shows how we use physical acts as metaphors for mental ones—you 'grasp,' 'reach,' and 'fathom' ideas just like objects.

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