figure out by comparing different sources

triangulate

verb|/traɪˈæŋ.gjə.leɪt/

Determine something by using multiple sources or perspectives

Examples

In a meeting

Let's triangulate feedback from customers, sales, and support teams.

Over coffee

I triangulated the truth by asking all three of them separately.

Why this word

locate

triangulate specifies the method of using multiple reference points to determine position, while locate is generic about the method

pinpoint

triangulate describes the technical process of cross-referencing sources or angles, while pinpoint only describes the precision of the result

determine

triangulate indicates using multiple data points or perspectives to find truth, while determine is non-specific about methodology

Usage tip

Use when verifying information by cross-referencing multiple sources

Etymology

Latin 'triangulum' (triangle) — from navigation technique using three points

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