Word
triangulation
Phoneticstri·an·gu·la·tion, stress on the fourth syllable
US/tɹaɪˌæŋɡjuˈɫeɪʃən/
UK/tɹaɪˈænɡjʊlˈeɪʃən/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. a way of finding a middle position between two different political ideas to attract more voters. It can also mean using three different points or methods to find an exact location or truth.
n. the strategy of positioning a political candidate or policy between two opposing viewpoints to appeal to the widest possible electorate. In research or navigation, it refers to the use of multiple perspectives or data points to verify a single result.
Examples
“The candidate used triangulation to win votes from both sides.”
“By adopting some conservative economic policies while maintaining liberal social goals, the president successfully employed triangulation to secure a second term.”
“The researcher employed methodological triangulation, combining qualitative interviews with quantitative survey data to ensure the findings were not biased by a single mode of inquiry.”
Examples
simple
“The candidate used triangulation to win votes from both sides.”
contextual
“By adopting some conservative economic policies while maintaining liberal social goals, the president successfully employed triangulation to secure a second term.”
complex
“The researcher employed methodological triangulation, combining qualitative interviews with quantitative survey data to ensure the findings were not biased by a single mode of inquiry.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “triangulation” in context.
Verb
01. achieve triangulation
“By combining surveys and focus groups, the team achieved triangulation in their research.”
verb + noun
02. employ triangulation
“The study employs triangulation to cross-verify the qualitative interview results.”
verb + noun
03. triangulation allows
“Triangulation allows for a more comprehensive understanding of complex social issues.”
noun + verb
04. triangulation confirms
“The triangulation confirms that the initial observations were accurate.”
noun + verb
05. use triangulation
“Scientists use triangulation to determine the exact location of an earthquake's epicenter.”
verb + noun
Adjective
06. data triangulation
“Data triangulation involves collecting information from multiple sources to confirm facts.”
noun + noun
07. methodological triangulation
“The researcher used methodological triangulation to ensure the validity of the findings.”
adj + noun
08. political triangulation
“The candidate's strategy of political triangulation appealed to voters from both parties.”
adj + noun
Noun
09. process of triangulation
“The process of triangulation helps to eliminate bias in the final report.”
noun + prep + noun
10. a strategy of triangulation
“The president adopted a strategy of triangulation to find a middle ground on the bill.”
11. ensure validity through triangulation
“The authors sought to ensure validity through triangulation of their data sets.”
Usage
Often used in political science to describe centrist positioning or in social sciences to describe data validation.
Real-World Examples
“Pitting the extremes against each other while sliding through the middle — ‘triangulation’ — is a political strategy that former President Bill Clinton came to rely on.” “Triangulation is a process of taking the best ideas from each party and combining them into a coherent policy and program.” “The central tenet of evidence triangulation is to identify the most important weaknesses for any given study approach (and for each specific study applying that approach) and, if necessary, to identify which new sources of evidence that do not share these weaknesses are required.” Etymology
From Medieval Latin triangulātiō, formed from the verb triangulō and the noun-forming suffix -tiō. The verb is derived from triangulus, meaning triangular or a triangle, which is itself a compound of trēs, three, and angulus, an angle or corner. By surface analysis, the word is a combination of triangulate and -ion; it is cognate with the French triangulation.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/triangulation