triangulation
triangulation Lexical Profile
triangulation Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The measurement and determination of the location of a point or the layout of an area by forming a network of triangles to it from known reference points and measuring their angles.
"Rescue teams used cellular tower triangulation to pinpoint the lost hiker's coordinates in the mountains."
The use of multiple data sources, methods, investigators, or theoretical perspectives in a research study to cross-check findings and increase validity.
"The sociological study relied on triangulation by combining qualitative interviews, field observations, and census statistics."
A political strategy in which a candidate positions their platform above and between the traditional left and right wings of rival parties by adopting popular policies from both sides.
"The prime minister's electoral success was widely attributed to clever political triangulation that appealed to centrist voters."
A psychological dynamic or manipulative behavior in which one person brings a third party into a two-person conflict or relationship to deflect tension, control communication, or gain an advantage.
"The family therapist quickly recognized the unhealthy triangulation occurring whenever the parents communicated exclusively through their eldest child."
• Rhymes for triangulation
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in the mid-16th century from Modern Latin triangulatio, derived from Latin triangulus ('three-cornered', from tri- 'three' + angulus 'corner, angle'). Originally a technical term in land surveying and trigonometry, it was later adopted into social science research, psychology, and political strategy in the 20th century.