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Triangulation: meaning, definitions and examples

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triangulation

 

[traɪˌæŋɡjʊˈleɪʃən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

surveying

Triangulation is a method used in surveying to determine the location of a point by measuring angles to it from known points at either end of a fixed baseline.

Synonyms

geodetic technique, surveying method.

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Word Description / Examples
triangulation

Commonly used in both geodesy and navigation to determine positions by measuring angles in a triangle formed by three known points.

  • The team used triangulation to pinpoint the exact location of the shipwreck
  • Mobile networks often rely on triangulation to estimate the location of a phone
surveying method

General term used in construction, land surveying, and engineering to describe various techniques for measuring and mapping areas of land.

  • The engineers applied a modern surveying method to create the site's layout
  • Various surveying methods were considered before starting the road construction project
geodetic technique

Used in specialized fields of earth sciences and mapping to precisely measure and understand the earth's geometric shape, orientation in space, and gravitational field.

  • A geodetic technique was employed to monitor the movement of tectonic plates
  • Advanced geodetic techniques provide crucial data for improving the accuracy of global positioning systems

Examples of usage

  • Triangulation is commonly used in cartography to create accurate maps.
  • In geodesy, triangulation is essential for measuring large distances on the Earth's surface.
Context #2 | Noun

communication

Triangulation refers to a communication strategy where a person avoids direct communication by using a third person as a mediator.

Synonyms

indirect communication, mediation.

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Word Description / Examples
triangulation

Used in geometric contexts, navigation, or finding a position by forming triangles to measure distances accurately. Can also refer to gathering data from multiple sources to confirm findings in research.

  • They used triangulation to determine the exact location of the shipwreck.
  • In the study, data triangulation was applied to ensure the accuracy of the results.
indirect communication

Used to describe a manner of conveying messages through hints, suggestions, or non-verbal cues rather than directly stating something. Often used in cultural contexts or delicate situations where direct communication may be considered rude or inappropriate.

  • In many Eastern cultures, indirect communication is the norm to avoid confrontation.
  • He hinted that he wanted a promotion through indirect communication rather than explicitly asking for it.
mediation

Used to refer to the process of resolving disputes or conflicts with the help of a neutral third party who facilitates communication and negotiation between the parties involved.

  • The company hired a professional to assist with mediation between the conflicting departments.
  • Mediation helped the neighbors reach an amicable resolution without going to court.

Examples of usage

  • Instead of discussing the issue directly, she resorted to triangulation by talking to a mutual friend.
Context #3 | Noun

psychology

In psychology, triangulation is a dynamic involving three people where one person plays the role of mediator between the other two, often leading to conflict.

Synonyms

interpersonal conflict, three-person dynamic.

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Word Description / Examples
triangulation

Used often in situations where a third person is brought into a conflict or issue between two people to either mediate, manipulate, or distract. It can have a negative connotation, particularly in psychology and relationship dynamics.

  • Her constant triangulation made it difficult for us to resolve our differences directly.
  • Triangulation in relationships can create unnecessary drama and confusion.
three-person dynamic

Describes the interactions and relationships among three individuals. It is a neutral term and often used in sociological or psychological analysis.

  • The three-person dynamic in their group made decision-making more complicated.
  • Understanding the three-person dynamic is crucial for effective team management.
interpersonal conflict

Refers to a direct disagreement or incompatibility between two individuals. This phrase is neutral and can be used in both personal and professional settings.

  • The team leader had to step in to resolve the interpersonal conflict between the two employees.
  • Their interpersonal conflict affected the entire project's progress.

Examples of usage

  • The concept of triangulation is frequently observed in dysfunctional family dynamics.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'triangulation' comes from the Latin 'triangulum', meaning triangle, which combines 'tri' for three and 'angulum' for angle.
  • It first appeared in English texts around the late 16th century, mainly in mathematical contexts.

Science

  • The technique is widely used in surveying to determine distances and create maps.
  • In astronomy, triangulation helps calculate the distance to stars by observing them from different positions on Earth.

Psychology

  • In social psychology, triangulation can refer to relationships where one person communicates with another indirectly, often leading to misunderstandings.
  • The concept is also used in therapy settings to describe unhealthy dynamics among family members or individuals.

Pop Culture

  • The term has been used in television shows to describe complicated relationships, particularly in dramas where one character is caught between two others.
  • In video games, triangulation can describe strategies where players estimate enemy positions based on their current locations.

Technology

  • GPS devices use a form of triangulation to pinpoint a user’s location using signals from multiple satellites.
  • Mobile phones also use triangulation methods with cell towers to help improve location accuracy.

Translations

Translations of the word "triangulation" in other languages:

🇵🇹 triangulação

🇮🇳 त्रिकोणमिति

🇩🇪 Triangulation

🇮🇩 triangulasi

🇺🇦 тріангуляція

🇵🇱 triangulacja

🇯🇵 三角測量 (さんかくそくりょう)

🇫🇷 triangulation

🇪🇸 triangulación

🇹🇷 triangülasyon

🇰🇷 삼각 측량 (삼각 측량)

🇸🇦 التثليث

🇨🇿 triangulace

🇸🇰 triangulácia

🇨🇳 三角测量 (sānjiǎo cèliáng)

🇸🇮 triangulacija

🇮🇸 þríhyrningsmæling

🇰🇿 триангуляция

🇬🇪 ტრიანგულაცია

🇦🇿 triyangulyasiya

🇲🇽 triangulación

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,707, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.