modulate

verb

mod·​u·​late ˈmä-jə-ˌlāt 

modulated; modulating

transitive verb

1

: to tune to a key or pitch

2

: to adjust to or keep in proper measure or proportion : temper

3

: to vary the amplitude, frequency, or phase of (a carrier wave or a light wave) for the transmission of information (as by radio)

also : to vary the velocity of electrons in an electron beam

intransitive verb

1

: to play or sing with modulation

2

: to pass from one musical key into another by means of intermediary chords or notes that have some relation to both keys

3

: to pass gradually from one state to another

modulator

ˈmä-jə-ˌlā-tər 

noun

modulatory

ˈmä-jə-lə-ˌtȯr-ē 

adjective

Examples of modulate in a Sentence

Because she doesn't modulate her voice, she sounds the same when she's excited as when she's sad.

The music quickly modulates from its original key, changing the mood of the song.

Recent Examples on the Web

The record offers a cohesively chaotic vision for the future — razor-sharp synths set ablaze in digital audio workstations, drums modulated to frequencies at the edge of the ear’s functional limit, and lyrics like mantras punching straight through to one’s lizard brain. —Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 18 Feb. 2025

Added to this are front cross-traffic alert, Proactive Driving Assist, which modulates braking and steering relative to other vehicles on the road, and Safe Exit Assist, which warns occupants if a vehicle or bicyclist is approaching from the rear to help avoid collisions when a door is opened. —Doug Newcomb, PCMAG, 16 Jan. 2025

Nano-curcumin therapy, a promising method in modulating inflammatory cytokines in COVID-19 patients. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Jan. 2025

Addiction Early studies suggest GLP-1 drugs may reduce cravings for alcohol, nicotine and opioids by modulating the brain’s reward pathways. —Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 2 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin modulatus, past participle of modulari to play, sing, from modulus small measure, rhythm, diminutive of modus measure — more at mete

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids Definition

modulate

verb

mod·​u·​late ˈmäj-ə-ˌlāt 

modulated; modulating

1

: to tune to a key or pitch

2

: to adjust or regulate to the proper proportion

especially : to tone down : soften

modulated his voice

3

: to vary a quality (as frequency or amplitude) of an electromagnetic wave for the transmission of information (as by radio)

modulator

-ˌlāt-ər 

noun

modulatory

-lə-ˌtōr-ē 

-ˌtȯr-

adjective

Medical Definition

modulate

transitive verb

mod·​u·​late ˈmäj-ə-ˌlāt 

modulated; modulating

: to adjust to or keep in proper measure or proportion

modulate an immune response

modulate cell activity

modulatory

-lə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr- 

adjective