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.

---

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

---

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

---

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

"It truly is the first time in history that one can modulate activity deep in the brain, centimeters from the scalp, examining subcortical structures with high spatial resolution," Freeman says.

From Science Daily • Feb. 4, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 30, 2025

Despite his apparent willingness to modulate his stance based on new information, he remains cautious about declaring either a labor-market slump or victory over inflation.

From Barron's • Oct. 10, 2025

“What I’m trying to do is facilitate some kind of a conversation, to use their cues to modulate how much sarcasm I use,” says Bonfil.

From Los Angeles Times • May 14, 2025

It included a list of specimen arguments, explained how an audience could be swayed, and discussed everything from how to discredit a hostile witness to how best to modulate your voice when speaking.

From "Words Like Loaded Pistols" by Sam Leith

Related Words

• inflect