How to pronounce fathom
Say it like FATH-um. Fathom has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FATH).
VoiceSpeed
US American/ˈfæðəm/FATH-um
UK British/ˈfæðəm/FATH-um
- FATH
- um
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Fathom pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- FATHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- umKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of fathom
American and British speakers say fathom in essentially the same way: /ˈfæðəm/ in the US and /ˈfæðəm/ in the UK.
British respelling: FATH-um.
What does fathom mean?
noun
- A measure of distance to shore: the nearest point to shore at which the water depth is the value quoted.“After we'd rowed for an hour, we found ourselves stranded ten fathoms from shore.”
- An unspecified depth.
- To measure the depth of (water); to take a sounding of; to sound.
- Often followed by out: to deeply understand (someone or something); to get to the bottom of.“I can’t for the life of me fathom what this means.”
- To measure a depth; to sound.
Where does fathom come from?
* Old Welsh etem (“thread”)
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying fathom
How do you pronounce fathom?
Say FATH-um. The American pronunciation is /ˈfæðəm/. In British English it is /ˈfæðəm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in fathom?
Fathom has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FATH). Broken into parts: FATH · um.
Do Americans and Brits say fathom the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈfæðəm/ and the British form is /ˈfæðəm/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.