triangulate
|tri-ang-gu-late|
🇺🇸
/ˈtraɪ.æŋ.ɡjə.leɪt/
🇬🇧
/ˈtraɪ.æŋ.ɡjʊ.leɪt/
determine or verify using triangles/three points
Etymology
'triangulate' was formed in English from 'triangle' + the verb-forming suffix '-ate'. 'Triangle' itself comes from Latin 'triangulum', where 'tri-' meant 'three' and 'angulus' meant 'angle'.
'triangulate' developed in modern English (early 19th century) as a verb derived from Middle English/French 'triangle' (from Latin 'triangulum'); originally used in surveying and geometry and later extended to figurative and methodological senses.
Initially it meant 'to form triangles or measure by triangles' (surveying/geometry), but over time it broadened to include 'verify by multiple sources' and 'strategically position or maneuver between parties'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to determine the position of a point by forming triangles to it from known points (a surveying/geometric method).
Surveyors triangulate the mountain peak to calculate its exact coordinates.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Verb 2
to corroborate or verify information by using multiple methods or sources (to cross-check).
Researchers triangulate their findings by comparing interview data with archival records.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Verb 3
(figurative, political/strategic) To position oneself or to manipulate relationships between two or more parties in order to gain advantage.
The candidate tried to triangulate between the progressive and conservative wings to maximize support.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/06 10:52