fathom

fathom vb Fathom, sound, plumb all mean to measure the depth (as of a body of water) typically with a weighted line.

Fathom implies a measuring in fathoms (units of six feet).

Sound typically suggests the use of a sounding line in measuring, but it may come close to probe (see under ENTER 1) when it deals with the investigation of a body of water to ascertain not only its depth but the character of its bottom or floor

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men went overboard with poles in their hands, sounding ... for deeper water— Defoe

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Plumb implies the use of a plumb line, a wire or cord to which is attached a plummet that keeps the line in a vertical position as it falls. These differences are seldom apparent, because such measurements are usually taken by similar means, but in extended usage they take on importance and usually determine the specific implications of the words.

Fathom implies an attempt to get through or beneath the obscuring layers of something mysterious or incomprehensible so as to reveal or comprehend its true nature

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the aims of the artist must first be fathomed— Charles Johnson

}

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if we can fathom the mystery of the structure of the Milky Way, we shall have learned much about the arrangement of the universe— B. J. Bok

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it involved a speculative fathoming of the uncertainties of the human mind— Davis

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Sound implies particularly the use of such indirect methods as cautious questioning or examination to elicit information as to someone's views or feelings, as to the real state of affairs in a particular case, or as to the worth, status, or possibility of something

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sound out the attitude of the candidate towards Medicare

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sent commissioners ... to sound for peace— Jefferson

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when Delia sounded her cousin, the girl's evasive answer and burning brow seemed to imply that her suitor had changed his mind— Wharton

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told Tiberius that Castor was sounding various senators as to their willingness to support him— Graves

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Plumb suggests the ascertaining of something hidden usually by minute and critical examination

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she succeeded in plumbing his motives

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there were depths . . . beneath the story that he had never plumbed— Brooks

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Sometimes, however it comes pretty close to fathom

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who can plumb what the future holds in store?

}