modulate

American  

[moj-uh-leyt] / ˈmɒdʒ əˌleɪt /

verb (used with object)

modulated, modulating

1. to regulate by or adjust to a certain measure or proportion; soften; tone down.

2. to alter or adapt (the voice) according to the circumstances, one's listener, etc.

   Synonyms:

   control, temper

3. Music.

   1. to attune to a certain pitch or key.

   2. to vary the volume of (tone).

4. Telecommunications. to cause the amplitude, frequency, phase, or intensity of (a carrier wave) to vary in accordance with a sound wave or other signal, the frequency of the signal wave usually being very much lower than that of the carrier.

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verb (used without object)

modulated, modulating

1. Telecommunications.

   1. to modulate a carrier wave.

   2. Citizens Band Radio Slang. to talk; visit.

      Enjoyed modulating with you.

2. Music. to pass from one key to another.

   to modulate abruptly from A to B flat.

modulate British  

/ ˈmɒdjʊˌleɪt, ˌmɒdjʊləˈbɪlɪtɪ /

verb

1. (tr) to change the tone, pitch, or volume of

2. (tr) to adjust or regulate the degree of

3. music

   1. to subject to or undergo modulation in music

   2. (often foll by to) to make or become in tune (with a pitch, key, etc)

4. (tr) physics electronics to cause to vary by a process of modulation

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modulate Scientific  

/ mŏj′ə-lāt′ /

1. To vary the amplitude, frequency, or some other characteristic of a signal or power source.

2. See also amplitude modulation frequency modulation

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Other Word Forms

• modulability noun
• modulative adjective
• modulator noun
• modulatory adjective
• remodulate verb (used with object)
• unmodulated adjective
• unmodulative adjective
• well-modulated adjective

Etymology

Origin of modulate

1550–60; < Latin modulātus (past participle of modulārī to regulate (sounds), set to music, play an instrument). See module, -ate ¹

Example Sentences

Olsen: How have you come to learn that distinction and how to modulate your performance, like knowing what you can do for a camera versus what you’re doing for the audience?

From Los Angeles Times

Our research has found that public opinion—unlike precision-guided export controls—can be difficult to modulate once unleashed.

From The Wall Street Journal

These findings support the development of targeted therapeutic strategies aimed at modulating thrombo-inflammatory responses.

From Science Daily

By engaging receptor trafficking at the cell membrane, they provide a new way to modulate receptor activity.

From Science Daily

Most political and foreign-policy actions can be modulated, corrected or refined over time.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• inflect