triangulate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low frequencyFormal, Technical
Quick answer
What does “triangulate” mean?
to measure or determine the position of something by using the geometry of triangles, or to divide an area into triangles.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
to measure or determine the position of something by using the geometry of triangles, or to divide an area into triangles.
To establish a position, understanding, or strategy by using multiple sources of information or perspectives.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage or meaning. Spelling is consistent.
Connotations
Both varieties equally favour the technical sense, with the figurative sense being more common in academic or analytical contexts.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English in technical fields (e.g., GPS, military), but overall usage is similar.
Grammar
How to Use “triangulate” in a Sentence
[V] + object (triangulate the position)[V] + from + noun phrase (triangulate from three points)[V] + between/among + noun phrase (triangulate between different sources)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “triangulate” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The Ordnance Survey team will triangulate the hill's peak using theodolites.
- Her argument was strengthened as she could triangulate her theory with historical and archaeological evidence.
American English
- The firefighters triangulated the fire's origin using witness accounts.
- Good journalists triangulate facts with multiple sources before publishing.
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial form in use.)
American English
- (No standard adverbial form in use.)
adjective
British English
- The triangulate network of paths made the park easy to navigate. (Rare, technical)
American English
- A triangulate support structure provides maximum stability. (Rare, technical)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
To triangulate market data from surveys, sales figures, and social media trends.
Academic
The researcher sought to triangulate her findings through interviews, observation, and document analysis.
Everyday
I couldn't get a clear mobile signal, so I moved around to try and triangulate the best spot.
Technical
The system uses three satellites to triangulate the exact coordinates of the receiver.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “triangulate”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “triangulate”
- Using it only as a synonym for 'compare' without the core idea of using multiple reference points to find something unknown.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While its core meaning is technical, it is widely used figuratively in social sciences, business, and everyday language to mean verifying or finding something using multiple sources or perspectives.
No, 'triangulate' is a verb (and rarely an adjective). The related noun is 'triangulation'.
Both are positioning methods. Triangulation uses angles and at least one known side length. Trilateration uses distances from known points (like GPS). In figurative use, 'triangulate' is the standard term.
Technically, no. Triangulation requires a minimum of three points or two known angles/baselines to calculate an unknown. In figurative use, however, 'triangulate between two sources' is commonly accepted to mean cross-referencing them.
to measure or determine the position of something by using the geometry of triangles, or to divide an area into triangles.
Triangulate is usually formal, technical in register.
Triangulate: in British English it is pronounced /traɪˈæŋɡjʊleɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /traɪˈæŋɡjəleɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To triangulate one's position”
- “To triangulate between opposing views”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think TRI-ANGLE-ate: To make into triangles (TRI-ANGLE) in order to calculate (-ATE).
Conceptual Metaphor
UNDERSTANDING IS LOCATING (Figurative: 'We need to triangulate the truth from these conflicting reports.')
Practice
Quiz
What is the PRIMARY, literal meaning of 'to triangulate'?