modulate

[ moj-uh-leyt ]

/ ˈmɒdʒ əˌleɪt /

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See synonyms for: modulate / modulated on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object), mod·u·lat·ed, mod·u·lat·ing.

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

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

Music.

to attune to a certain pitch or key.
to vary the volume of (tone).

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), mod·u·lat·ed, mod·u·lat·ing.

Telecommunications.

to modulate a carrier wave.
Citizens Band Radio Slang. to talk; visit: Enjoyed modulating with you.

Music. to pass from one key to another: to modulate abruptly from A to B flat.

OTHER WORDS FOR modulate

2 temper, control.

See synonyms for modulate on Thesaurus.com

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Origin of modulate

1550–60; <Latin modulātus (past participle of modulārī to regulate (sounds), set to music, play an instrument). See module, -ate¹

OTHER WORDS FROM modulate

mod·u·la·bil·i·ty

[moj-uh-luh-bil-i-tee], /ˌmɒdʒ ə ləˈbɪl ɪ ti/, nounmod·u·la·tive, mod·u·la·to·ry

[moj-uh-luh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee], /ˈmɒdʒ ə ləˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i/, adjectivere·mod·u·late, verb (used with object), re·mod·u·lat·ed, re·mod·u·lat·ing.un·mod·u·lat·ed, adjective

un·mod·u·la·tive, adjectivewell-mod·u·lat·ed, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use modulate in a sentence

Throughout this all, a variety of signaling molecules modulate the strength of the immune attack and induce inflammatory responses.
The persistence of memory in B cells: Hints of stability in COVID immunity|John Timmer|January 20, 2021|Ars Technica
It is believed to enhance the function of cells, such as T cells, that protect the body from pathogens and may help modulate inflammatory responses if the body is under attack.
Vitamin D sales are up. But experts still don’t know whether it can prevent or treat covid.|Allyson Chiu|January 11, 2021|Washington Post
Compassion for patients can actually modulate a patient’s perception of pain.
How Do You Cure a Compassion Crisis? (Ep. 444)|Stephen J. Dubner|December 17, 2020|Freakonomics
Both have the ability to modulate speed and change direction on a dime, adding an explosive quality to whatever offense they're in.
Russell Westbrook is a known quantity. The question is how he’ll fit with the Wizards.|Ava Wallace|December 3, 2020|Washington Post

Like many other forms of exercise, running increases concentrations of norepinephrine, a chemical that helps our brains modulate our stress responses.
5 Ways Running Saved Us in 2020|Outside Editors|December 1, 2020|Outside Online
Modulating your tone and positions is something you have to do when you live in a two-party state.
Rick Scott & Rick Perry: A Tale of Two Ricks in Palm Beach|Daniel Gross|April 9, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Gueyma's and the Cougar's horses walked side by side, the riders modulating the pace, and stealthily looking around them.
The Flying Horseman|Gustave Aimard
She was at the modulating point between indifference and love, at the stage called "having a fancy for."
Return of the Native|Thomas Hardy
She leaned a little toward him, modulating her voice for his ear alone.
The Salamander|Owen Johnson
With two holes for blowing and for modulating the sound, perforated towards the thinner end.
Musical Myths and Facts, Volume I (of 2)|Carl Engel
We've about concluded that somehow our amplifier system is modulating the incoming hydrogen signal from the antenna.
The Egyptian Cat Mystery|Harold Leland Goodwin

British Dictionary definitions for modulate

modulate

/ (ˈmɒdjʊˌleɪt) /

verb

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

(tr) to adjust or regulate the degree of

music

to subject to or undergo modulation in music
(often foll by to) to make or become in tune (with a pitch, key, etc)

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

Derived forms of modulate

modulability (ˌmɒdjʊləˈbɪlɪtɪ), nounmodulative or modulatory, adjectivemodulator, noun

Word Origin for modulate

C16: from Latin modulātus in due measure, melodious, from modulārī to regulate, from modus measure

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for modulate

modulate

[ mŏj′ə-lāt′ ]

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

modulate

OTHER WORDS FOR modulate

Origin of modulate

OTHER WORDS FROM modulate

Words related to modulate

How to use modulate in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for modulate

Derived forms of modulate

Word Origin for modulate

Scientific definitions for modulate