Fathoming Phantoms: The Difference Between "Fathom" and "Phantom"

In this blog, we will learn about the difference between two commonly misused words that almost sound the same: “fathom” or “phantom.” Do you know when to use them in a sentence? If not, then head on and find out. 

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The Phantom of the Opera

Merriam-Webster defines “phantom” as “something apparent to sense but with no substantial existence,” “something elusive or visionary,” and “an object of continual dread or abhorrence.” That is, when it is taken as a noun. 

For example, you can say:

• I am afraid I am sensing phantoms in the night. 

• His memories linger like phantoms from my past. 

• The pandemic became a phantom for most of us. 

As an adjective, “phantom” means “illusory,” “dummy,” or "fictitious." 

As a noun, it can be synonymous with “ghost,” “spirit,” or “apparition.” As an adjective, its synonyms are the words “imaginary” and “mythical.”

Now you get why the famous musical is called The Phantom of the Opera, not the Fathom of the Opera. 

Fathom the Depth

Speaking of “fathom,” Merriam-Webster says that it means “a unit of length equal to six feet (1.83 meters) used especially for measuring the depth of water.” On the other hand, “fathom” is also “comprehension,” and as a verb it means, “to penetrate and come to understand.”

For example, you can say: 

• The Mississippi River measures a lot of fathoms on its deepest point. 

• I can’t quite fathom what he meant when he said that. 

• Life can be unfathomable at times. 

There you have it! You have learned English words that you can share with your friends and use in your writings. 

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Sources: 

• Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, s.v. “phantom,” accessed August 25, 2025, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phantom.

• Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, s.v. “fathom,” accessed August 25, 2025, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fathom.