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 Civic's pedal is very low effort, takes time to get used to and is hard to modulate when needed. —David Faris, Newsweek, 29 Dec. 2024

Lifting off the throttle to trigger regenerative braking felt smooth and easy to modulate. —Peter Nelson, The Verge, 23 Dec. 2024

Their response is rather firm and hard to modulate—like a tennis ball is wedged beneath the brake pedal—but Kalmar says a new master cylinder will be fitted to production cars for a more progressive feel. —Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 4 Dec. 2024

By modulating ultrasound signals, the speakers create high-fidelity sound in a light and compact device. —IEEE Spectrum, 19 Nov. 2024

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