verb

triangulate

treye-ANGG-yuh-layt

Triangulate (verb) means to find the exact location of something by measuring angles from two or more known points. Example: “Surveyors triangulated the position of the new boundary marker.”

verb

To find the exact location of something by measuring angles from two or more known points.

"Surveyors triangulated the position of the new boundary marker."

(figurative) To play two people or groups against each other to gain an advantage.

"The politician was accused of trying to triangulate rival factions within the party."

How to use triangulate

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo pinpoint a location using angle measurements, or figuratively, to maneuver between two opposing sides for your own benefit.

Common pairings

triangulate a signal triangulate a position triangulate between factions

Word forms

triangulated past tense, triangulates singular

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Surveyors _____ the position of the new boundary marker.

Etymology

From Latin triangulum, "triangle," plus the verb-forming suffix -ate — the surveying sense comes from using triangles of known points to calculate an unknown position.

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for triangulate

ate date rate mate fate abate slate plate state grate create update

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Frequently asked questions

What does “triangulate” mean?

The word “triangulate” means to find the exact location of something by measuring angles from two or more known points. In plain terms, to pinpoint a location using angle measurements, or figuratively, to maneuver between two opposing sides for your own benefit.

How do you pronounce “triangulate”?

“Triangulate” is pronounced treye-ANGG-yuh-layt (/tɹaɪˈæŋɡjəleɪt/ in IPA).

How do you use “triangulate” in a sentence?

Here is “triangulate” used in a sentence: “Surveyors triangulated the position of the new boundary marker.”

What part of speech is “triangulate”?

“Triangulate” is a verb.

Where does the word “triangulate” come from?

The word “triangulate” comes from Latin. From Latin triangulum, "triangle," plus the verb-forming suffix -ate — the surveying sense comes from using triangles of known points to calculate an unknown position.

How many meanings does “triangulate” have?

“Triangulate” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to find the exact location of something by measuring angles from two or more known points.