triangulate

word

Definition

To find the exact position of something by measuring angles from known points; also used figuratively to mean finding out information by comparing multiple sources.

Usage & Nuances

'Triangulate' is formal and technical, used in geometry, navigation, surveying, and also informally for gathering information. Collocations: 'triangulate data', 'triangulate a location'. In business or investigation, 'triangulate' often means cross-checking information from independent sources.

Spanish: triangular - triangular (medir por triangulación)Portuguese (BR): triangular - medir por triangulaçãoPortuguese (PT): triangular - medir por triangulaçãoChinese (Simplified): 三角测量 - 用三角法确定Chinese (Traditional): 三角測量 - 用三角法確定Hindi: त्रिकोणमिति द्वारा मापना - त्रिकोणित करनाArabic: يُثلّث - يحدد الموقع بالتثليث

Example Sentences

They used satellites to triangulate the ship's position.

basic

We can triangulate the exact location using three cellphone towers.

basic

The scientists triangulated the source of the sound.

basic

The journalist tried to triangulate the facts from different witnesses.

natural

Can you triangulate your sources before publishing that article?

natural

By checking several maps, they managed to triangulate the right hiking path.

natural