The word "fathom" does not have a significant difference in pronunciation between the two accents.
American Pronunciation: /ˈfæðəm/
Breakdown: FATH-uhm
British Pronunciation: /ˈfæðəm/
Breakdown: FATH-uhm
To pronounce "fathom," start with the "f" sound, which is a voiceless labiodental fricative. Place your upper teeth on your lower lip and push air through to make the sound. Then, move onto the "æ" sound, which is a front half-open vowel. This sound is similar to the "a" in "bat" or "cat." The "ð" sound comes next, which is a voiced dental fricative. To make this sound, place your tongue between your teeth and push air through. Finally, end with the "əm" sound, which is a slightly nasalized "m" sound. Close your lips and let the air pass through your nose to create this sound.
In summary, "fathom" is pronounced as "FATH-uhm" in both American and British English, with the stress on the first syllable. Remember to place emphasis on the "th" sound, as it is what differentiates "fathom" from the similar-sounding word "atom."
Definition of
fathom
Fathom (noun, verb):
- (noun) a unit of measurement for water depth, equal to six feet.
Example: The diver descended to a depth of 20 fathoms while exploring the ocean floor.
- (noun) the understanding or comprehension of something that is difficult to grasp or measure.
Example: I cannot fathom why he would make such a drastic decision without consulting his team.
- (verb) to understand or explore the depths of something.
Example: He tried to fathom the meaning behind her cryptic message.
- (verb) to measure the depth of something with a fathom.
Example: The sailors used a rope to fathom the depth of the river before anchoring their boat.
What does it mean
fathom