# triangulation

/tɹaɪˌæŋɡjuˈɫeɪʃən/ (US) · /tɹaɪˈænɡjʊlˈeɪʃən/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/triangulation
Updated: 2026-10-13

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Synonyms

surveying

## Antonyms

polarization, partisanship

## Usage notes

- Often used in political science to describe centrist positioning or in social sciences to describe data validation.

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