Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Having three corners or angles: Describes a shape or object that possesses three distinct corners or angles.
   • Involving three parties or competitors: Describes a contest, conflict, or situation that involves three distinct participants or groups.

Usage

• The primary use is to describe the physical shape of an object.
• It is also used figuratively to describe competitive situations involving three entities.

Examples

• Physical Shape:
  • He wore a distinctive three-cornered hat.
  • The children drew a three-cornered star on the paper.
• Competitive Situation:
  • The election turned into a fierce three-cornered fight.
  • The company found itself in a three-cornered battle for market share.

Advanced Usage

• "three-cornered contest/debate/fight": A common collocation to describe a rivalry or competition involving three sides.
  • The debate evolved into a three-cornered argument with no clear resolution.

Variants and Related Words

• Triangular (adj): Shaped like a triangle; having three sides and three angles. (Often used more commonly for geometric shapes).
  • They sailed across the triangular bay.
• Three-way (adj): Involving three participants or parts. (More common for non-physical situations).
  • The leaders agreed to a three-way partnership.

Synonyms

• Triangular: Having three angles and three sides.
• Trilateral: Involving three parties or sides.

Antonyms

• Bilateral: Involving two parties or sides.
• Multilateral: Involving more than two parties or nations.

Adjective

1. involving a group or set of three
   • a three-cornered race
2. having three corners
   • a three-cornered hat