Both Uses of
fathom
in
The Bourne Identity
- In ways unfathomable, my dear patient.†
Chpt 2 *unfathomable = not capable of being understoodstandard prefix: The prefix "un-" in unfathomable means not and reverses the meaning of fathomable. This is the same pattern you see in words like unhappy, unknown, and unlucky.
- Spectators in an unseen arena, jeering the unknown, oblivious to its unfathomable cause.†
Chpt 33
Definitions:
-
(1)
(fathom as in: can't fathom) understand something -- especially when it’s difficult or complex
-
(2)
(meaning too rare to warrant focus) meaning too rare to warrant focus:
Fathom can also refer to a unit of measure for water depth (6 feet), or to the act of measuring the depth of water.